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Revisiting Cognitive and Adaptive Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Profiles of performance on the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scales (SB5) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) were examined in 73 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. SB5 cognitive profiles were observed to be similar between participants with and without early language delay, but different between participants with and without intellectual disability. With few exceptions, the distribution and cognitive profiles of participants with specific nonverbal IQ–verbal IQ and abbreviated IQ–full scale IQ discrepancy patterns paralleled previous reports. A cognitive functioning advantage over adaptive functioning was observed to be strongest in participants without intellectual disability and older participants. The previously reported VABS “autism profile” was not observed. Current findings clarify previous research and will inform the diagnostic process and treatment planning.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Autism Speaks and the Autism Genetic Research Exchange (AGRE) for financial support of this project. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions made by Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center research staff to data collection and coding. We also thank the families who participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, 300 N. 18th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA

    Nicole L. Matthews, Elena Pollard, Sharman Ober-Reynolds, Janet Kirwan, Amanda Malligo & Christopher J. Smith

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  1. Nicole L. Matthews
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  2. Elena Pollard
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  3. Sharman Ober-Reynolds
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  4. Janet Kirwan
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  5. Amanda Malligo
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Correspondence to Nicole L. Matthews.

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Matthews, N.L., Pollard, E., Ober-Reynolds, S. et al. Revisiting Cognitive and Adaptive Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 138–156 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2200-0

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