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.
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Acknowledgments
This study was supported by grants from the NIH (MH-85851, MH-95783, RR-24154, HD-55748, P30HD003352, T32HD007489); Autism Speaks (5703 and 8568); Department of Defense (AR100344); and Pennsylvania Department of Health. We are extremely grateful to the individuals with autism spectrum disorder who participated in this study; without their generous support and commitment, our research would not be possible.
Author Contributions
Dr. Bishop-Fitzpatrick formulated the aims, conceptualized the analytic method, conducted statistical analyses, wrote the initial draft of the manuscript, and revised the manuscript to address reviewer comments. Drs. Minshew and Mazefsky provided guidance on the design of the study and participated in the manuscript development and revisions. Dr. Eack provided guidance on the design of the study and the analytic methods and participated in the manuscript development and revisions.
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Dr. Bishop-Fitzpatrick, Dr. Minshew, Dr. Mazefsky, and Dr. Eack declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
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Bishop-Fitzpatrick, L., Minshew, N.J., Mazefsky, C.A. et al. Perception of Life as Stressful, Not Biological Response to Stress, is Associated with Greater Social Disability in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 47, 1–16 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2910-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2910-6