Abstract
In the present study, we jointly employ and integrate variable- and person-centered approaches to identify groups of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who have similar profiles of change over a period of 10 years across three critical domains of functioning: maladaptive behaviors, autism symptoms, and daily living skills. Two distinct developmental profiles were identified. Above and beyond demographic and individual characteristics, aspects of both the educational context (level of inclusion) and the family context (maternal positivity) were found to predict the likelihood of following a positive pattern of change. Implementing evidence-based interventions that target the school and home environments during childhood and adolescence may have lasting impacts on functioning into adulthood for individuals with ASD.
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Acknowledgments
This manuscript was prepared with support from the National Institute on Aging (Grant R01 AG08768, M. R. Mailick, principal investigator) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P30 HD03352, A. Messing, principal investigator). We also thank the families who participated in this research.
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Dr. Woodman conceptualized the analytic method, conducted the statistical analyses, wrote the initial draft of the manuscript, and revised the manuscript to address reviewer concerns. Dr. Smith provided guidance on the design of the study and the statistical analyses and participated in manuscript development and revisions. Drs. Greenberg and Mailick formulated the research questions, provided guidance on the design of the study and the statistical analyses and participated in manuscript development and revisions.
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Woodman, A.C., Smith, L.E., Greenberg, J.S. et al. Contextual Factors Predict Patterns of Change in Functioning over 10 Years Among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 176–189 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2561-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2561-z