Researchers find early predictors of low daily living skills in teens with autism

It is known that adolescents with autism have lower daily living skills (DLS) than adolescents without autism. A recent study has looked at this more closely, aiming to find out exactly what the DLS differences are, and what the predictors could be. There is wide variation in the independent DLS in adolescents with autism, compared with adolescents with other developmental disabilities (DD). The findings showed that early predictors of lower DLS included problems with early expressive language, fine motor skills, and attention. Understanding the predictors can help guide interventions targeted to helping the youth acquire DLS and become more independent.