Adaptive Behavior in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Flexibility

• Published in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders Vol. 50; no. 1; pp. 42 - 50
• Main Authors: Bertollo, Jennifer R., Strang, John F., Anthony, Laura G., Kenworthy, Lauren, Wallace, Gregory L., Yerys, Benjamin E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 2020; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adaptability (Psychology); Adaptation, Psychological; Adaptive behavior; Adjustment (to Environment); Adolescent; Adolescent psychology; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder - psychology; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child; Child and School Psychology; Cognitive ability; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Communication Skills; Comorbidity; Demographic aspects; Diagnosis; Female; Flexibility; Health aspects; Humans; Male; Neurosciences; Original Paper; Pediatrics; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Psychology; Public Health; Socialization; Youth; United States; Executive function; Flexibility; Autism spectrum disorder; Adaptive behavior
• ISSN: 0162-3257; 1573-3432
• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04220-9

Cognitive and behavioral flexibility are important predictors of adaptive behavior in school-age autistic youth. While prior research has utilized broad measures of flexibility, the current study uses the multi-dimensional Flexibility Scale-Revised to examine which specific flexibility skills relate to adaptive functioning. Through parent-report measures on 216 autistic youth, flexibility explained 22.2% of variance in adaptive socialization skills (p < 0.001). Specifically, Social Flexibility accounted for significant variance in adaptive socialization skills, while Transitions/Change approached significance. In exploratory analyses, flexibility explained 11.5% of variance in Communication skills (p < 0.001). This pattern remained after controlling for co-occurring ADHD symptoms. The current study helps to refine the relationship between flexibility and adaptive behavior, which may ultimately help to inform more targeted interventions.