Association of Child and Family Attributes With Outcomes in Children With Autism

Abstract

Key Points Question How prevalent is “doing well” in 5 developmental domains (communication, socialization, activities of daily living, internalizing, externalizing) as assessed by proficiency and growth in children with autism spectrum disorder in midchildhood, and what attributes of children and families are associated with it? Findings In this cohort study including 272 children, between 20% and 49% of children with autism spectrum disorder were proficient within the 5 developmental domains, while 13% to 34% of children demonstrated growth. Doing well was associated with preschool scores on that specific outcome domain, as well as early language skills, household income, and family functioning. Meaning These findings demonstrate the potential usefulness of taking a strengths-based approach to outcome assessments, while the importance of family income and functioning remind us that disabilities do not exist apart from a social context.