Preliminary efficacy of a daily living skills intervention for adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

Autism. 2018 Nov;22(8):983-994. doi: 10.1177/1362361317716606. Epub 2017 Sep 15.

Abstract

Daily living skills deficits are strongly associated with poor adult outcomes for individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, and yet, there are no group interventions targeting daily living skills. Seven adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their parents participated in a feasibility pilot of a 12-week manualized group treatment targeting specific daily living skills (i.e. morning routine, cooking, laundry, and money management). Outcomes included the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (Vineland-II) age equivalence scores and four goal attainment scaling scores. Adolescents demonstrated significant improvement on two Vineland-II subdomains and on all goal attainment scaling scores at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. The intervention has promise for improving critical daily living skills' deficits that affect independent living and employment. Limitations and implications for future studies are discussed.

Keywords: adolescents; autism spectrum disorders; daily living skills; goal attainment scaling; interventions—psychosocial/behavioral.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Adolescent
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / rehabilitation*
  • Cooking
  • Financial Management
  • Goals
  • Humans
  • Hygiene
  • Independent Living
  • Laundering
  • Parents / education*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pilot Projects
  • Self Care