Developing Intervention Targets for Adults with Profound Autism based on Daily Living Skills and Cognitive Ability

Many autistic people have worse daily living skills (DLS) than would be expected based on their intellectual ability (IQ). Better daily living skills have been linked to more positive outcomes in those with autism.  Previous research looking at the gap between DLS and IQ focused on individuals at a single point in time, providing a snapshot of their current abilities rather than assessing these abilities across the lifespan. This study will better describe the discrepancy in DLS and IQ by engaging an existing longitudinal cohort of autistic individuals that has been followed from 2-33 years of age, focusing on specific DLS rather than lumping them all together.  These findings will allow for more focused intervention targets in adults with profound autism.