Abstract
Self-determination (SD) is linked to autonomy and better adult outcomes. Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often less independent than cognitively matched peers. Given the frequency with which depression co-occurs in ASD and the established association between depression and SD, we sought to evaluate the influence of both ASD severity and depression on SD among cognitively able emerging adults with ASD. Emerging adults (n = 59) with ASD completed measures of SD, ASD severity, and depression. Both ASD severity and depression were moderately correlated with SD (r = − 0.473; − 0.423, respectively) and with each other (r = 0.625). After controlling for ASD severity, depression did not significantly predict SD. Strengthening SD should be considered in programming to promote independence.
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This research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (R34MH114906; White).
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SWW conceived of the study, led analyses and writing of the manuscript. IS and AMB co-wrote the manuscript. IS and SWW were involved in data collection and cleaning. SWW led the RCT that provided data.
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White, S.W., Smith, I. & Brewe, A.M. Brief Report: The Influence of Autism Severity and Depression on Self-Determination Among Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 52, 2825–2830 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05145-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05145-y