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Adaptive Behavior Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ES Brodkin, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of profiles of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder and highlight the importance of these everyday skills in optimizing self-sufficiency throughout life.

Recent Findings

Research has clearly confirmed that adaptive deficits exist in ASD, particularly in social skills. These impairments are highly associated with co-occurring conditions such as executive functioning impairments, psychiatric conditions, and even psychosis. There tends to be a discrepancy between intellectual capacity and adaptive functioning, particularly in autistic individuals without cognitive and language delays, with this gap widening between childhood and adulthood.

Summary

Although cognition and language skills are associated with good outcome in ASD, they are insufficient in the absence of intact adaptive behavior. There is a critical need to emphasize the importance of adaptive functioning in diagnostic evaluations and treatment/intervention programs to ensure that every autistic individual has the potential for success.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Drs. Edgar Doll, Sara Sparrow, and Domenic Cicchetti to our understanding of adaptive behavior profiles in neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, 231 Lamont Drive, Decatur, GA, 30030, USA

    Celine A. Saulnier

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA

    Celine A. Saulnier & Cheryl Klaiman

  3. Marcus Autism Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, USA

    Cheryl Klaiman

  4. Eastern Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, USA

    Emma McQueen

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  1. Celine A. Saulnier
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Correspondence to Celine A. Saulnier.

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All reported studies/experiments with human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards (including the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional/national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines).

Conflict of Interest

Celine A. Saulnier receives royalties from Pearson Assessments for her authorship on the Vineland-3. Cheryl Klaiman and Emma McQueen have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Saulnier, C.A., Klaiman, C. & McQueen, E. Adaptive Behavior Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep 24, 749–756 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01381-w

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