title: Perception of Life as Stressful, Not Biological Response to Stress, is Associated with Greater Social Disability in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: This study examined differences between adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; N = 40) and typical community volunteers (N = 25) on measures of stressful life events, perceived stress, and biological stress response (cardiovascular and cortisol reactivity) during a novel social stress task. Additional analyses examined the relationship between stress and social functioning as measured by the Social Adjustment Scale-II and the Waisman Activities of Daily Living scale. Results indicated that adults with ASD experienced significantly more stressful life events and perceived stress, and greater systolic blood pressure reactivity than typical community volunteers. Results also indicated that perceived stress and stressful life events were significantly associated with social disability. Interventions targeting stress management might improve social function in adults with ASD.
authors.affiliation: Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA. bishopfitzpa@waisman.wisc.edu.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1269-4129
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bishop-Fitzpatrick
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Webster Hall - Suite 300, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Minshew
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Webster Hall - Suite 300, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Carla A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mazefsky
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
authors.forename: Shaun M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Eack
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: ASD; Asperger’s; Cardiovascular reactivity; Cortisol; High-functioning autism; Intervention; Stress