Child and family characteristics associated with verbal communication difficulties in adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities

Background: Verbal communication difficulties are associated with a range of adolescent and adult outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet there is limited information about contextual factors associated with verbal communication difficulties beyond early childhood, and how youth with ASD compare to youth with other developmental disabilities (DD). Aims: The current study examined verbal communication difficulties among adolescents with ASD and other DD, and child and family characteristics associated with these difficulties in later in life. Methods and procedures: Children were classified as ASD or other DD between 2 and 5 years old. Caregivers of these same children reported verbal communication difficulties between 12 and 16 years old. Chi square tests examined group differences in adolescent verbal communication difficulties; Poisson regression examined child and family characteristics associated with adolescent verbal communication difficulties. Outcomes and results: Adolescents with ASD had significantly more verbal communication difficulties (47.4 %) than adolescents with other DD (14.6 %). Factors that predicted verbal communication difficulties in adolescents with ASD and other DD were expressive language abilities and internalizing symptoms in early childhood, having a mother of non-Hispanic Black compared to White race, and having a mother with some college compared to an advanced degree. Conclusions and implications: Almost half of adolescents with ASD had verbal communication difficulties, which was significantly higher than those with other DD. Early childhood and sociodemographic factors like race, education, and insurance were associated with verbal language outcomes. These factors may be useful in identifying and supporting those most likely to benefit from targeted communication services. What this paper adds?: Verbal communication difficulties are common among adolescents with autism. Early childhood and socio-demographic characteristics like race and education are associated with these difficulties. These findings could help better identify and support adolescents with communication difficulties.