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Limited Discrepancy Between Cognitive Ability and Daily Living Skills in Autism: A Longitudinal Study From Ages 2-25
Elaine B Clarke1, Catherine Lord2, Vanessa H Bal1
1Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Summary
Daily living skills (DLS) in autistic individuals with average or higher intelligence quotient (IQ) may not always lag behind cognitive abilities. Discrepancies, when present, develop gradually over time, challenging deterministic assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Autistic individuals with average or higher intelligence quotient (IQ) often show deficits in daily living skills (DLS).
- Existing research on IQ-DLS discrepancies is predominantly cross-sectional, limiting understanding of developmental trajectories.
- The relationship between early childhood factors and the development of these discrepancies remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the developmental pathways of IQ-DLS discrepancies from early childhood to early adulthood.
- To determine if early childhood factors predict these developmental trajectories.
- To investigate the association between IQ-DLS discrepancy trajectories and adult outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 92 autistic individuals with average or better IQ, with repeated assessments from ages 2 to 25 years.
- Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify developmental patterns in IQ-DLS discrepancy scores.
- Analysis of early childhood predictors and adult experiences (employment, well-being, relationships).
Main Results:
- Two trajectory groups were identified: commensurate IQ and DLS, and weaker DLS than expected for IQ.
- Most participants maintained commensurate IQ and DLS throughout development.
- Discrepancies, when they emerged, developed gradually by mid-childhood; participant race was the only significant early predictor.
- IQ-DLS discrepancy trajectories were not significantly associated with adult experiences.
Conclusions:
- Autistic individuals with average or higher IQ do not invariably exhibit persistent DLS deficits relative to cognitive ability.
- When IQ-DLS discrepancies occur, they tend to develop over time rather than being present from early childhood.
- Findings challenge deterministic views of adaptive functioning in autism and emphasize the need for ongoing DLS support and practice.
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