Change in autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors in adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • This study examined change prospectively in autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors during a 4.5 year period in 241 adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder who were 10-52 years old (mean = 22.0) when the study began. Although many individuals' symptoms remained stable, a greater proportion of the sample experienced declines than increases in their level of autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors, and there were significant improvements in mean levels of symptoms. Individuals with mental retardation had more autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors than those without mental retardation, and they improved less over time. Compared to adolescents, older sample members (31 and older) had fewer maladaptive behaviors and experienced more improvement in these behaviors over time.

publication date

  • December 5, 2006

Research

keywords

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autistic Disorder

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC3265360

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 34748846280

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/s10803-006-0307-7

PubMed ID

  • 17146700

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 37

issue

  • 9