Daily Living Skills in Autism: Predictive of Adult Outcomes

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Researchers at Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey have conducted a longitudinal study to examine the relationship between daily living skills (DLS) in children and adolescents with autism and their adult outcomes. The study, published in the journal Autism Research, aimed to investigate whether competency in specific DLS is associated with a higher likelihood of attaining adult outcomes such as employment, relationships, living arrangements, and overall well-being.

The researchers analyzed data from a well-characterized longitudinal cohort of 230 participants with autism, collected from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) at ages 5, 9, 14, and 18. They found that competency in personal DLS, such as eating out skills and pre-job skills, was low throughout childhood and adolescence and showed minimal growth over time. However, for participants with an IQ of 70 or lower, competency in community DLS, such as eating out skills and pre-job skills, had the most predictive utility for adult outcomes.

The study's findings suggest that competency in daily living skills may promote positive outcomes for autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities. The researchers concluded that their results could inform interventions aimed at promoting adult success for individuals with autism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from a longitudinal cohort of 230 participants with autism, collected from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) at ages 5, 9, 14, and 18.
  • Competency in personal DLS, such as eating out skills and pre-job skills, was low throughout childhood and adolescence and showed minimal growth over time.
  • For participants with an IQ of 70 or lower, competency in community DLS, such as eating out skills and pre-job skills, had the most predictive utility for adult outcomes.
  • The study's findings suggest that competency in daily living skills may promote positive outcomes for autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  • The research was supported by the Autism Science Foundation and has been peer-reviewed for publication in the journal Autism Research.
  • Elaine B. Clarke from Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey is the lead researcher on the project.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from a sample of 230 participants with autism.
  • The researchers collected data from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) at ages 5, 9, 14, and 18.
  • Participants with an IQ of 70 or lower demonstrated the most predictive utility for adult outcomes.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey Yield New Information about Autism (Identifying Daily Living Skills From Childhood and Adolescence Predictive of Adult Outcomes In a Longitudinal Study of Autism and Related ...). Mental Health Weekly Digest. June 23, 2025; p 504.
  • Autism Research. (2025). Identifying Daily Living Skills From Childhood and Adolescence Predictive of Adult Outcomes In a Longitudinal Study of Autism and Related Developmental Conditions.
  • Wiley. (n.d.). Autism Research. Retrieved from onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1939-3806
  • Autism Science Foundation. (n.d.). Our Research. Retrieved from autismsciencefoundation.org/our-research