Michelle R Kandalaft1, Kilee M DeBrabander2. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas at time of data collection, Dallas, TX, USA. mk@spectratherapies.com. 2. The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Dallas, TX, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL), social-emotional and occupational functioning are often diminished in young autistic adults. Measuring these constructs as vocational training outcomes may inform future programming and relevancy of measures. METHODS: This pilot study analyzed changes in social-emotional functioning and QoL during the involvement at a vocational program for autistic adults using the WHOQOL-BREF, a modified version of the Birchwood- Social Functioning Scale (SFS-m) and a piloted measure. Participants completed these self-reported questionnaires upon admission and at 3 months. RESULTS: Significant change was found on the SFS-m and two WHOQOL-BREF domains: psychological and environmental. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that autistic adults, similar in characterization, can self-report using these QoL and social measures; further, these measures are sensitive to certain changes over time in such group programs.
BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL), social-emotional and occupational functioning are often diminished in young autistic adults. Measuring these constructs as vocational training outcomes may inform future programming and relevancy of measures. METHODS: This pilot study analyzed changes in social-emotional functioning and QoL during the involvement at a vocational program for autistic adults using the WHOQOL-BREF, a modified version of the Birchwood- Social Functioning Scale (SFS-m) and a piloted measure. Participants completed these self-reported questionnaires upon admission and at 3 months. RESULTS: Significant change was found on the SFS-m and two WHOQOL-BREF domains: psychological and environmental. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that autistic adults, similar in characterization, can self-report using these QoL and social measures; further, these measures are sensitive to certain changes over time in such group programs.
Entities:
Keywords:
ASD; Autism; Quality of life; Social functioning; Vocational program
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