ABAS-II Ratings and Correlates of Adaptive Behavior in Children with HFASDs

This study was conducted to extend the research on adaptive functioning of children, ages 7-12, with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs; n = 41) using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II. Specific purposes included examination of (1) the ABAS-II adaptive profile; (2) relative strengths and weaknesses; and (3) predictors (age, IQ, and ASD symptomatology) of adaptive functioning for children with HFASDs. Results indicated significant deficits on overall adaptive functioning and all three adaptive composites. Relative weaknesses were found in the skill areas of social, home living, and self-direction and relative strengths in academics and community use. Analyses indicated that age and IQ did not predict ABAS-II composites, whereas total ASD symptoms negatively predicted overall adaptive functioning. Significant inverse correlations were found between the ASD symptoms of restricted and repetitive behaviors and the ABAS-II social and practical daily living skills composites. No significant correlations were found between ASD social symptoms and adaptive social skills or between ASD communication symptoms and adaptive language/communication skills.