https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5718-1197
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ABSTRACT
Background
Current literature mainly focuses on adaptive profiles from a categorical perspective but yields inconclusive results. The present study puts a transdiagnostic approach next to a “classical” categorical approach.
Methods
In this study, 222 children (5–18 years old) with autism and/or intellectual disability participated. Variance analyses, based on standard scores from ABAS-3 at group-level, were conducted in order to compare adaptive domains within categories. A K-Means cluster analysis was used to delineate empirically derived clusters with a similar profile of difference scores at an individual level. Chi-square tests and variance analyses were used to investigate the distribution of variables across clusters.
Results
From a categorical perspective, results were in line with current literature. A transdiagnostic perspective revealed three adaptive profiles (Homogeneous, Social, and Practical). No perfect match was found between specific adaptive profiles and diagnostic categories.
Conclusions
A transdiagnostic perspective sheds light on the heterogeneity within and the overlap across diagnostic categories.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to Siel Bulteel for logistic support, Gert Storms for methodological advice, and Stephanie Liangos for proofreading. Special thanks to the Flemish Agency for Disabled Persons and other clinical centres for children with developmental disabilities in Flanders.
Disclosure statement
Some of the authors (B.K., J.M., B.M., I.N.) contributed to the development of the Dutch version of ABAS-3 and are receiving royalties.