Verbal Memory and IQ Predict Adaptive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pages 22-27
O. Puig, R. Calvo, M. Rosa, E. de la Serna, S. Lera-Miguel, V. Sánchez-Gistau and J. Castro-Fornieles

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2013.01.01.4

Published: 30 September 2013

Abstract: Adaptive deficits are commonly found in high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD) despite of cognitive potential. Most studies have focused on the relationships between adaptive behavior and intellectual quotient (IQ) and have used correlations to study relationships between them. Few studies have analyzed cognitive variables other than IQ as potential predictors of adaptive behavior in HF-ASD using regression methods. This study aimed to analyze the impact of several cognitive variables on adaptive behavior in a sample of children and adolescents with HF-ASD. METHODS: Sample included 16 child and adolescent boys with HF-ASD (age between 7-17 years). Cognitive assessment included measures of general intelligence, visual memory, verbal memory, working memory and problem solving/flexibility tests. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) was used to evaluate adaptive behavior. To establish the predictive capacity of the cognitive variables for adaptive functioning, linear regression models were fitted for each adaptive domain using a stepwise method. RESULTS: Verbal memory and IQ emerged as the main independent predictors for VABS adaptive scores. The 41% of the variance in Communication was predicted by IQ. The 35% of the variance in Daily Living Skills was predicted by verbal memory. Almost half of the variance in Socialization was predicted by both, verbal memory and IQ (49%). No other cognitive functions were associated with adaptive scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the strong impact of IQ and verbal memory on adaptive behavior in HF-ASD patients. These findings could contribute to identify potential targets of intervention.

Which Factors do Parents of Offspring with Intellectual Disability Experience as Promoting Inclusive Education for their Children?
Pages 55-66
Carl Chr. Bachke

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2013.01.01.7

Published: 30 September 2013

Abstract: The background of this research is that few studies on inclusive education internationally, use parents as informants. Even fewer emphasize their positive experiences only. From the Norwegian support organisation for people with intellectual disability 14 parent-members were selected and qualitatively interviewed about their positive experiences with inclusive education for their offspring. By means of a discourse analytic approach their statements about constructive factors were benchmarked with twelve formerly identified literature-based factors in order to investigate which of twelve factors were validated by parental experiences, and to detect possible new factors.

The general research question illuminated is which factors do parents of offspring with intellectual disability experience as promoting inclusive education for their children? The results are linked to the following four sub-questions: (1) which of the factors, disclosed in current literature, is frequently mentioned by the informants; (2) which new factors are disclosed; (3) which factor is so frequently mentioned that it is considered substantial; and (4) which factors might be combined, and possibly renamed?

The results show that the informants contributed all in all with 18 factors. In the discussions it was argued that five factors were interpreted as new, four factors proved to be substantial, that a fifth factor almost gained equal status, while three more factors were considered vital. These eight factors represented the main answer to the research question, and were summarised in metaphoric model, baptized” the school-house of inclusive education”.

Weight Loss Intervention in Young Adults with Severe Learning Disabilities:The Additive Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (a Pilot Study)
Pages 91-96
Nachum Vaisman, Rachel Regev, Lior Katalan and Yael Duani

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2015.03.02.8

Published: 07 August 2015

Abstract: The prevalence of obesity is reported to be higher among people with intellectual disabilities compared to the general population. Factors which were suggested to contribute to this increased prevalence include: low adherence to healthy diets, poor level of physical activity, intellectual disabilities and the lack of residential settings supporting independence. This study was designed to evaluate the additive effect of an intervention in the form of cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in a multi-strategy weight loss program for young adults with severe learning disabilities living in group residences in the community. The study population included 28 subjects (12 males) who were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups had a weekly meeting with a dietician and were invited to take part in walking groups. One group (intervention group) had on top a weekly session of CBT. The results of our study indicate that adding a CBT component to a conventional program aiming at improved nutritional understanding (prudent diet, physical activity) of subjects with LD may improve the success for change in life habits, yet, in our study this effect was noticeable only on follow up few months after study termination. Neither group differences at baseline nor differences in the scoring for the locus of control questionnaire at baseline could predict this outcome. This delayed impact warrants further investigation.

Women & Girls on the Autism Spectrum: A Profile 
Pages 90-95
Wenn B. Lawson

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2017.05.03.4

Published: 16 October 2017

Abstract: Being female and autistic is poorly understood, but is autism really ‘rare’ in females? Historically, autism has been associated with traditionally masculine features and stereotypes of behaviour, with some believing autism only occurred in males [1]. This leads scientific enquiry to the critical question of whether there are more males living with autism or, conversely, do females on the autistic spectrum present differently to males and, therefore, are at risk of remaining undiagnosed?.