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Introduction: Motor skill difficulties are common in autistic children and are related to daily living skills (DLS). However, it remains unclear which specific motor tasks are most likely to impact overall DLS. This study sought to fill this gap. Methods and results: In 90 autistic children and adolescents (ages 6-17 years), we found that fine/manual motor tasks, like drawing or folding, demonstrated significant medium-sized relations with DLS, even after accounting for IQ and sensory features, whereas tasks in the areas of bilateral coordination, upper-limb coordination, and balance only related to DLS (small effect sizes) prior to accounting for IQ and sensory features. When looking at an overall balance score, we found that IQ significantly interacted on the relation between overall balance and DLS. Discussion: These results further demonstrate the particular importance of fine/manual motor skills for DLS in autistic youth, even when accounting for IQ and sensory features. Indeed, accounting for sensory features strengthened the relations between fine/manual motor skills and DLS. Our findings provide evidence of the impact of cognitive factors on the relation between balance and DLS, indicating that it may be that autistic individuals with lower IQs experience relations between balance and DLS that are different than their peers with higher IQs. Our findings support the benefit of considering individual motor skills rather than domain-level information when assessing ways to promote DLS in autistic youth. The results further shed light on the importance of fine motor skills, as well as the unique relationship of balance and DLS in autistic individuals with lower IQs.
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The current study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-management interventions for teaching daily living skills to autistic individuals. This study accessed the corresponding studies by doing a search in six databases. 14 articles and one dissertation met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were first analyzed descriptively and coded according to quality indicators using What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards. Second, the effect sizes of the included studies were calculated using two different effect size measures (i.e., Tau-U and performance-criteria-based effect size values [PCES]). Third, these analyses were also conducted for generalization and maintenance data. Of 15 studies included in this review, nine met the WWC standards with and without reservations. Tau-U analyses were conducted for 14 studies, whereas PCES values were calculated for only eight studies with mastery criteria. The findings indicated that the self-management interventions had a .93 CI95 (.80, 1) overall effect size for Tau-U with a very large effect. On the other hand, the overall effect size for the PCES values indicated a moderate effect with .99. The weighted effect sizes in generalization and maintenance phases were very large for Tau-U; however, moderate to high effects for PCES. Although self-management interventions showed diversity, one of the domains of daily living skills (i.e., community living skills) has not been studied in the field. Notably, among the studies in our review, the last ones are from 2019. Detailed findings from descriptive analyses and two different effect size calculations are discussed, and recommendations for future studies are given.
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly co-occurs in autistic children. However, additional research is needed to explore the differences in motor skills and sensory features in autistic children with and without ADHD, as well as the impacts of these factors on daily living skills (DLS). This observational study sought to fill this gap with 67 autistic children (6.14-10.84 years-old), 43 of whom had ADHD. Autistic children with ADHD demonstrated higher sensory features and lower motor skills than autistic children without ADHD. In examining autism and ADHD features dimensionally, we found that overall sensory features, seeking, and hyporesponsiveness were driven by both autism and ADHD features, whereas motor skills, enhanced perception, and hyperresponsiveness were driven by only autism features. Additionally, in using these dimensional variables of autism and ADHD features, we found that differences in motor skills, sensory and autism features, but not ADHD features, impact DLS of autistic children, with autism features and motor skills being the strongest individual predictors of DLS. Together, these results demonstrate the uniqueness of motor skills and sensory features in autistic children with and without ADHD, as well as how autism features, sensory features, and motor skills contribute to DLS, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive understanding of each individual and complexities of human development when supporting autistic children.
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While existing literature has demonstrated that Daily Living Skills (DLS) performance of autistic individuals is lower than what is expected of their age and cognitive abilities, limited studies have examined DLS in autistic adults. This study aimed to understand the influence of intellectual function (IQ) and contextual factors (i.e., provision of opportunities) on autistic individuals' DLS performance. Participants included 33 autistic individuals ranging in age from 16 to 35 years. Their caregivers were administered the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd edition's (Vineland-3) caregiver interview form. A novel coding system was developed to capture the frequency of reasons for participants' non-performance of DLS tasks, based on caregiver's report. "Target" scores reflecting expected possible score if reasons for nonperformance could be addressed were computed. Qualitative analysis of parental responses indicated that, for adults with average or higher IQ, lack of opportunity to learn and/or implement the skill was the most frequent reason for not performing DLS. Lack of opportunity was also the second most common reason provided for adults with NVIQ below 85, following cognitive ability. Taking into account reasons for nonperformance, "Target" scores were, on average, 7.65 points higher for the NVIQ ≥ 85 group. These findings highlight a need for multi-dimensional assessment to go beyond individual strengths and difficulties to also include contextual factors that may influence adults' skill acquisition and performance. It is essential that clinicians ensure that adequate opportunities for learning and performance are available to promote acquisition of important DLS.
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For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) daily living skills (DLS) fall below chronological age and have been linked to factors such as language. Given the impact of DLS on daily life, it is critical to gain a comprehensive understanding of DLS profiles in children to guide effective treatment. Using a large dataset from the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, the current study sought to (1) examine whether there are subgroups of children with ASD defined by both their Vineland-II DLS scores and language abilities and (2) explore the relationship between internalizing and externalizing symptoms on subgroups using the Child Behavior Checklist. A five-cluster solution was found, but one group was subsequently dropped. Four clusters were examined: Low Language-Low DLS (n = 143); Low-Language High DLS (n = 170); High Language-Low DLS (n = 189); and High Language-High DLS (n = 203). The High Language-Low DLS group had significantly higher internalizing and externalizing symptoms as compared to the other groups. The results highlight the importance of targeting DLS in school-age children with ASD, especially for those with comorbid internalizing and externalizing symptom to ensure that the gap between age and functional DLS does not continue to widen.
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BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual disabilities need continued supports in completing daily living tasks to increase the likelihood of achieving independence. Fortunately, research has shown that assistive technology, and particularly video prompting helps support independent living for individuals with intellectual disabilities. AIMS: This study investigated the efficacy of a highly customizable task analysis smartphone application in assisting three young adults with intellectual disabilities learn how to cook three different multistep recipes. MATERIALS & METHODS: Three young adults with intellectual disabilities enrolled in a four-year postsecondary education program (PSE) participated in a multiple probe design across participants to examine the effect of a Task Analysis app on the participants' completion of three cooking tasks. RESULTS: In this present study, the use of video prompting to teach a daily living skill resulted in large and meaningful effect size gains of 99%-100% for all three participants, as measured by Tau-U. DISCUSSION: Video prompting is an effective instructional strategy which allows the user to self-prompt and manage their ability to successfully complete daily living skills. In this current study, video prompting made a substantial difference in the safety of participants. CONCLUSION: The use of video prompting can decrease the reliance on others (e.g., teachers and caregivers), improve self-confidence of the user, and improve the user's level of autonomy.
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Discapacidad Intelectual , Teléfono Inteligente , Adulto Joven , Humanos , Aprendizaje , Vida IndependienteRESUMEN
Introduction: Adults with autism and adults with schizophrenia show difficulties in adaptive skills, especially those related to daily functioning. Some studies suggest that adaptive skills are associated with deficits in executive functions (EF), while others indicate that intelligence quotient (IQ) might also play a role. Literature suggests that autistic symptoms further affect adaptive skills. The interest of the current study, therefore, was to explore to what extent IQ, EFs as well as core autistic symptoms predict adaptive skills. Methods: To do this, 25 controls, 24 adults with autism, and 12 with schizophrenia were assessed on IQ (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), and executive functioning. The EF was measured with neuropsychological tasks (inhibition, updating, and task switching) and with the Dysexecutive-Spanish Questionnaire (DEX-Sp) which assessed everyday life EF problems. Core ASD symptoms were measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Short version (AQ-S), and the Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire - 3 (RBQ-3). Results: The results indicated EF difficulties in both, autism and schizophrenia. The IQ explained a high percentage of the variance found in adaptive skills, but only in the autism group. We can conclude, therefore, that high IQ is associated with low adaptive skills levels and EFs affect adaptive functioning in people with autism; however, this does not explain the difficulties in adaptive functioning in the schizophrenia group. Core features of autism assessed with self-report questionnaires (but not the ADOS-2) predicted low scores on the adaptive skills, only in the autism group. Discussion: Both EF measures predicted adaptive skills scores in autism, but not in schizophrenia. Our results suggest that different factors affect the adaptive functioning in each disorder. For instance, the EFs should be a central focus for improvement, especially for individuals with autism.
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Background: There are a few ecologically valid measurements of Daily Living Skills (DLS)-a critical component of adaptive functioning (AF)-for autistic adolescents and young adults. This is particularly important given that DLS predict outcomes as autistic adolescents transition to adulthood. Methods: We pilot-tested the assessment section of two modules of the Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training program (CFSAT) in 25 autistic (n = 4 female) and 25 non-autistic (n = 6 female) adolescents and young adults to evaluate preliminary feasibility in an autistic sample. Tasks involved using an ATM and ticket-buying machine. We also assessed AF and DLS with a well-validated self-report questionnaire. We examined group differences in performance and relationships between performance on CFSAT and an existing measure of AF and DLS. We also conducted regression analyses to investigate the associations between age, IQ, executive functioning (EF), and CFSAT task performance. Results: All but one autistic participant were able to complete the CFSAT tasks. Autistic participants made more errors, but did not take longer to complete the task, than non-autistic participants. Performance correlated strongly with self-reported AF generally and DLS specifically. The regression analyses revealed that task performance was associated with EF in the autistic group, but not the non-autistic group. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary support for the use of a new performance-based ecologically valid assessment of DLS in an autistic population. Two CFSAT modules were well-tolerated and detected differences in DLS ability. Strong correlations with an existing measure of AF suggest evidence of construct validity. The EF was associated with CFSAT task performance in autistic individuals. Such a tool could help identify individuals who would benefit from a DLS intervention.
Why is this an important issue?: For autistic adolescents and young adults, one of the most important predictors of success after high school are daily living skills (DLS), which are a component of adaptive functioning (AF), or the ability to operate independently when engaged in day-to-day tasks. However, most of the measures used to assess these abilities are parent- or child-report questionnaires, which may lack objectivity. What was the purpose of this study?: The Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training program (CFSAT) is an innovative software program that was designed to teach people how to perform daily tasks that require the use of technology. This study piloted two CFSAT modules in a sample of autistic adolescents and young adults. The researchers wanted to see whether the program could be completed by the autistic participants and whether their performance related to an existing measure of DLS and other cognitive measures known to be related to AF. What did the researchers do?: This study piloted the assessment portion of two CFSAT modules in 25 autistic and 25 non-autistic adolescents and young adults to investigate whether it might be a useful measure of DLS skills in autistic individuals. The assessment portion of the program gives participants tasks to complete on a virtual ATM and Metro Ticket Kiosk and records time to completion and accuracy. Participants also used a questionnaire to self-report DLS and general AF and performed cognitive tasks. What were the results of the study?: All but one autistic participant were able to complete both tasks. The autistic group made more errors but did not take more time to complete the tasks compared with the non-autistic group. Performance on the CFSAT was related to self-reported DLS scores on a questionnaire and to scores on cognitive tasks. What do these findings add to what was already known?: Previous work recommended computer-based DLS programs for autistic individuals. Since our results suggest the CFSAT is a viable computer-based program of DLS for autistic adults, CFSAT could help fill a need for DLS tools that are more applicable to real life than currently available questionnaires. Findings provide preliminary support that the CFSAT assessment measures DLS and could be a promising program to further study. What are potential weaknesses in the study?: Weaknesses of our work include that the measures used in this study only assessed two specific tasks encountered in daily living. Data on participants' real-life experience were not fully collected, so the association between the amount of real-life experience on these tasks and computer task performance will require further study. No data asking whether the tasks studied are useful for autistic adolescents and adults were collected. The study was small and consisted of relatively fewer women, which means that results will need to be replicated in a larger sample. How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?: This work could eventually pave the way for interventions that improve DLS (including the training version of the CFSAT) that may be helpful for teaching autistic individuals technology-related functional skills.
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The prevalence of dementia increases with age. In rare cases, people younger than 65 years old are also affected, with substantial consequences for the professional life. The symptoms depend on the form of dementia and can vary individually. Impairment of short-term memory is not always in the foreground and other neurocognitive domains, such as the disturbance of executive functions can have a significant impact on the ability to cope with everyday life. Pathophysiologically, neurodegenerative dementias with the major forms of Alzheimer's dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are distinguished from vascular dementias. Mixed forms are common. There is no curative treatment, but progression can be slowed by nonpharmacological measures and, especially in Alzheimer's dementia, by pharmacological treatment. Appropriate measures can promote independence and autonomy for as long as possible; however, in the course of the disease restrictions in the extended activities of independent living will initially occur, such as banking transactions, use of means of transport and, in the further course, also in the basic activities of daily living. Legal capacity and the ability to consent to health interventions are restricted sooner or later; however, this must always be evaluated for the specific situation and is not generally the case with the diagnosis of dementia. Instruments such as living wills, identification of a health care proxy, and advanced care planning should be used at an early stage. To decrease family caregiver burden with the increased risk of developing depression, supportive, accompanying measures and education are of great importance.
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Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Demencia Frontotemporal , Enfermedad por Cuerpos de Lewy , Humanos , Anciano , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/diagnóstico , Actividades Cotidianas , Enfermedad por Cuerpos de Lewy/psicología , Cuidadores/psicología , Demencia Frontotemporal/diagnósticoRESUMEN
The token economy is an evidence-based practice that improves outcomes across populations, settings, and behaviors. Nonetheless, their complex nature frequently leads to ineffective implementation. In addition, little is known about the extent to which token economies are effective for increasing engagement in adults with disabilities. Therefore, we conducted a multiple probe across participants to evaluate the effectiveness of a token economy using an app (i.e., Class Dojo) to increase engagement with daily living and vocational tasks in adults with disabilities. All participants increased their engagement with tasks following the introduction of the intervention and maintained higher than baseline levels of engagement up to 6 weeks after the intervention ended. Staff members completed an anonymous survey to indicate their perception of the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention. Social validity results indicated that some staff members found the intervention effective, but time-consuming and challenging.
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Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without an intellectual disability (ID) have daily living skills (DLS) that fall below their chronological age and affect their ability to achieve successful adult outcomes, but little is known about their specific DLS challenges. Utilizing the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (VABS-3) in a sample of 151 adolescents with ASD without an ID, we explored the VABS-3 DLS domain, subdomains, interview topics, and individual items. Results indicated that Community DLS was a relative strength, followed by Domestic DLS, and then Personal DLS. Adolescents with ASD demonstrated significant challenges in many age appropriate DLS subdomain interview topics and individual items, indicating a need for interventions to increase acquisition of DLS to improve adult outcomes.
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Trastorno del Espectro Autista , Discapacidad Intelectual , Adulto , Humanos , Adolescente , Actividades CotidianasRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between autism severity, motor performance, independence in daily living skills and quality of life in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study included 31 participants, aged 13-18 years. Evaluations were made with the Gilliam Autistic Disorders Rating Scale-2 (GARS-2), Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form (BOT-2-SF), Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM II), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Motor performance of the participants was determined as below average according to the norms of BOT-2 SF, and were negatively correlated with GARS-2 at a moderate level (r = -0.61, p < 0.001), and a moderate negative correlation was determined between GARS-2 and WeeFIM II (r = -0.65, p < 0.001) and PedsQL (r = -0.61, p < 0.001). Independence in daily living skills (DLS) and autism severity were found to be significant predictors of PedsQL (R2 = 0.463, p < 0.05). Motor impairment still appears to be a missing piece of the puzzle for this age group. Promoting motor skill acquisition and independence could be a key factor in preventing the deterioration of physical health and improving quality of life in adolescents with ASD.
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LAY ABSTRACT: Outcomes for autistic adults are generally poor, including activities of daily living and self-ratings of quality of life. Co-occurring psychiatric conditions contribute to these poor outcomes. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common co-occurring conditions in autistic individuals. However, we know little about the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and outcomes in autistic adults. A total of 724 autistic adults (18-83 years; 58% female) recruited from the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research participant registry completed questionnaires on demographics, co-occurring psychiatric conditions, activities of daily living, and subjective quality of life. Autistic adults who rated themselves as having more attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms also rated themselves as having less independence in activities of daily living and a lower quality of life. This is the first study to show these relationships in autistic adults. These findings highlight that additional research and better supports for co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms may be critical to improving independence and quality of life for autistic adults.
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Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad , Trastorno del Espectro Autista , Trastorno Autístico , Adulto , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad/complicaciones , Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad/epidemiología , Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad/diagnóstico , Trastorno Autístico/complicaciones , Trastorno Autístico/epidemiología , Trastorno Autístico/diagnóstico , Actividades Cotidianas/psicología , Calidad de Vida , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/complicaciones , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/epidemiología , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/diagnósticoRESUMEN
The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an animal-assisted-therapy (AAT) program in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and substance-use disorders in residential treatment in order to intervene in the remission of negative and positive symptoms and improve quality of life and adherence to treatment, favouring the clinical stabilization of patients who participate in the AAT program, within the context of a mental-illness-treatment device. This was a quasi-experimental prospective study with intersubject and intrasubject factors. The sample comprised 36 patients (21 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) who were evaluated at three time points (in the 3rd, 6th, and 10th sessions). The program lasted 3 months and consisted of 10 sessions that were implemented once a week, with a maximum participation of 10 patients per group. The participants were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia and the Life Skills Profile-20 (LSP-20) questionnaire. We observed a decrease in the positive symptoms of psychosis (F: 27.80, p = 0.001) and an improvement in functionality (F: 26.70, p < 0.001) as the sessions progressed. On the basis of these results, we concluded that AAT seems to be valid as a coadjuvant therapy as part of the rehabilitation processes of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and addiction-spectrum disorders (dual diagnosis).
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Terapia Asistida por Animales , Trastornos Psicóticos , Esquizofrenia , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias , Animales , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Trastornos Psicóticos/diagnóstico , Trastornos Psicóticos/terapia , Calidad de Vida , Esquizofrenia/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/terapiaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Daily living skills (DLS) are essential for an increased quality of life and autonomous living. DLS are a focus of occupational therapy practice; however, there has been no identified review of DLS acquisition in autistic adolescents or adults. A scoping review was undertaken of which the objective was to evaluate and synthesise the extent, range, and nature of research activity, and to identify research gaps in the existing literature as they relate to DLS acquisition and autistic adolescents and adults. METHODS: A structured search of the literature was conducted. Studies published in English between 2011 and 2021 that included a focus on the acquisition of DLS in autistic adolescents and young adults were included. The titles and abstracts of 103 records were screened, and the full text of 53 records was reviewed. These reference lists were hand searched. Following this process, 25 papers were found to meet the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Findings indicate inconsistencies throughout the literature, with a lack of consensus on best practice methods, mediums, and/or tools to support optimal outcomes in terms of DLS acquisition for the autistic population. Themes related to (1) Generalisation of Skills Across Contexts, (2) Skill Maintenance, (3) Technology as a Teaching Method, (4) Participant and Family Perspectives, and (5) The Balance of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) focus in research were extracted from the reviewed literature. There is a strong consensus in the findings of the identified papers that autistic adolescents and young adults experience poorer outcomes in terms of DLS acquisition than non-autistic peers, and peers with other developmental or intellectual disabilities. CONCLUSION: Future research is needed to fill these identified gaps and provide a clearer understanding on interventions to support optimal outcomes for autistic individuals.
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Trastorno Autístico , Discapacidad Intelectual , Terapia Ocupacional , Actividades Cotidianas , Adolescente , Humanos , Calidad de Vida , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Parent training (PT) has been well established in younger children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but is less well studied in adolescents. This study examined the effects of attempting PT to enhance the daily living skills (DLSs) of adolescents with ASD. Twenty-five parents of adolescents with ASD participated in either the immediate- or delayed-treatment control condition. Children's DLSs were evaluated using the DLS domain of the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales-II, and the achievement of the DLSs practised by the children at home was the subject of the evaluation. The DLS domain score showed no improvement in the treatment group compared to the control group. However, some parents in the treatment group reported that their children acquired the target DLSs and more sophisticated communication behaviours. In addition, one measure suggested that parents increased their praising behaviours. These changes may have been driven by the completion of the parent training. We discuss several aspects of developing parent-mediated interventions based on the current intervention situation and observed changes.
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Trastorno del Espectro Autista , Adolescente , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/terapia , Niño , Comunicación , HumanosRESUMEN
By adulthood, most males with fragile X syndrome (FXS) require support to navigate day-to-day settings. The present study cross-sectionally: (1) characterized the profile of daily living skills in males with FXS and (2) examined associated participant characteristics (i.e., fragile X mental retardation protein [FMRP] expression, nonverbal cognition, language, autism symptomatology, and anxiety symptomatology) using the Waisman-Activities of Daily Living questionnaire. Males with FXS (n = 57, ages 15-23 years) needed more help/support in the areas of domestic and community daily livings skills, than in the area of personal daily living skills. Significant associations were observed between reduced daily living skills and lower nonverbal cognition, receptive language, expressive language, and increased autism symptomatology. Receptive language emerged as the strongest unique predictor of daily living skill performance.
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Trastorno Autístico , Síndrome del Cromosoma X Frágil , Actividades Cotidianas , Adolescente , Adulto , Humanos , Lenguaje , Pruebas del Lenguaje , Masculino , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Autistic individuals and individuals with a range of other neurodevelopmental conditions (NDD) often present with lower levels of daily living skills (DLS) when compared to their neurotypical peers. Importantly, lower levels of DLS have been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including lower rates of post-secondary education, lower employment rates, and higher daily support needs across autism and NDD. However, there are currently no open-source informant-reported instruments for capturing key aspects of DLS. This study describes the development, refinement, and initial psychometric evaluation of a new, relatively brief (53-item). Daily Living Skills Scale (DLSS) in a sample of 1,361 children aged 2-17 years, Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated an excellent fit of unidimensional model to the data (CFI = 0.953, TLI = 0.951, RMSEA = 0.073 [95% CI: 0.071-0.074]). The single-factor CFA model showed evidence of measurement invariance of factor loadings, thresholds, and residual variance (strict invariance) across sex, age, race, and ethnicity. Model reliability and internal consistency were excellent (ω = 0.98; α = 0.97). Conditional reliability estimates indicated very good reliability (= 0.80) for the total DLS scale from very low (θ = -4.2) to high (θ = +2.4) scores. Conceptually derived self-care, homecare, and community participation subscales also showed strong reliability and internal consistency. With further replication, the EFS has excellent potential for wide adoption across research and clinical contexts.
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Social communication and executive functioning challenges as well as co-occurring anxiety/depression may make acquiring the skills needed to manage daily life tasks difficult for diploma-track autistic youth, thus limiting their participation in adult roles. This study describes the associations between executive function, social communication skills, and internalizing behaviors on task management in academically capable autistic adolescents (n = 46) using multiple regression with mediator analysis. The three predictors and youth age explained a moderate amount of variance in task management. Metacognition mediated the effect of social communication skills and internalizing behaviors on task management. Relations between underlying factors that influence self-management of daily life tasks are complex, supporting the need for multifaceted assessment and intervention approaches for academically capable autistic youth.