Adaptive functioning correlates among children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Objective: To explore the association of personal demographic factors with adaptive functioning in children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in Lahore from April 2015 to October 2016 at Child Psychiatry and Developmental Pediatric Departments as well as special education institutes of Lahore city. A group of 113 children diagnosed with ASD was selected through non probability purposive sampling. All were assessed for personal case history and adaptive functioning. The participants included both girls (37%) and boys (63%) with mean age of 8.43 +/- 1.95 years. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Age, autism severity arid behavioral problems had significant inverse correlation with adaptive functioning. However, intellectual functioning emerged as a significant positive correlate of adaptive functioning. Gender failed to reveal any significant difference in adaptive functioning mean scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: The relationship of adaptive functioning and various personal demographic factors vary among children following different developmental pattern and these variations should be taken into consideration while developing management plans.