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Variability in Adaptive Behavior in Autism: Evidence for the Importance of Family History

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Abstract

Adaptive behavior in autism is highly variable and strongly related to prognosis. This study explored family history as a potential source of variability in adaptive behavior in autism. Participants included 77 individuals (mean age = 18) with average or better intellectual ability and autism. Parents completed the Family History Interview about the presence of broader autism phenotype symptoms and major psychiatric disorders in first degree relatives. Adaptive behavior was assessed via the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Based on family history variables, age, and intelligence quotient (IQ), 87% of participants were correctly classified as having impaired or average VABS scores. Family history of depression and shyness accounted for the most variance in VABS scores, and they had the greatest influence on VABS Socialization scores in particular. Possible underlying mechanisms include genetics, psychosocial factors, and social resources. This study provides initial evidence of the importance of family history to adaptive behavior in autism and has implications for genetics and treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Carla A. Mazefsky

  2. Department of Speech–Language Pathology, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Diane L. Williams

  3. Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Nancy J. Minshew

  4. Child Development Unit, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Carla A. Mazefsky

Authors
  1. Carla A. Mazefsky
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  2. Diane L. Williams
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  3. Nancy J. Minshew
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Correspondence to Carla A. Mazefsky.

Additional information

This manuscript was supported by NICHD HD35469 (PI Minshew), A National Institutes of Health Collaborative Program of Excellence in Autism Study.

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Mazefsky, C.A., Williams, D.L. & Minshew, N.J. Variability in Adaptive Behavior in Autism: Evidence for the Importance of Family History. J Abnorm Child Psychol 36, 591–599 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-007-9202-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-007-9202-8

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