Psychiatry Research EG

Background Adaptive behaviour among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder determines wide range of self-independent and autonomous activities. Adaptive behaviour is a clearly defined measurable variable that can be used as an outcome, hence impacts intervention and training programs. The current study aims to determine the socio-economic and demographic factors that are associated with adaptive behaviour among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Egypt. In this observational cross sectional study, caregivers’ reports on their children with a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum were obtained. Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale was used to assess adaptive behaviour among children aged 3–6?years and admitting at the outpatient clinic. Socioeconomic Status Scale was used to assess family socioeconomic status. Results Participants in the current study scored low in domains of adaptive behaviour. Older children scored low in adaptive behaviour compared to younger children. There was significant positive correlation between daily living activities subdomain of adaptive behaviour and education, occupation, family possessions, and home sanitation and health care domains of socioeconomic status scale. There were significant positive correlations between socialization subdomain of adaptive behaviour and education, occupation, family, and family possessions and home sanitation domains of the socioeconomic status scale. The motor functioning subdomain of adaptive behaviour correlates significantly with the following SES domains: education (r = .268), occupation (r = .274), family possessions (r = .232), economic (r = .195) and health care (r = .291). Results of the current study revealed that high socioeconomic status correlates with higher adaptive functioning in daily living skills, socialisation and motor skills domains of adaptive behaviour. Conclusion The correlations detected in the current study between adaptive behaviour and some social determinants of health can influence stakeholders’ decisions in planning and implementation of autism specific interventions.