Preliminary efficacy of a daily living skills intervention for adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duncan, Amie; Ruble, Lisa A; Meinzen-Derr, Jareen; Thomas, Carrie; Stark, Lori J
• Is Part Of: Autism. Volume 22:Number 8(2018)
• Page Start: 983
• Page End: 994
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: adolescents -- autism spectrum disorders -- daily living skills -- goal attainment scaling -- interventions—psychosocial/behavioral; Autism -- Periodicals; Autism in children -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1177/1362361317716606
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-3613

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.