![]() The results indicated that compared with their neurotypical peers, the participants with ASD more frequently reported difficulties in decision making. Levels of anxiety and depression were assessed using the well- established Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants also completed the General Decision Making Style Inventory (GDMS), a 25-item questionnaire probing reliance on five, non- mutually exclusive, styles of decision-making (rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant, and spontaneous). Ratings of the frequency of 12 potential problems in decision-making were indicated on a four-point Likert-type scale (from ‘never’ to ‘often’). The questionnaire asked participants to rate: (a) the frequency with which particular problems in decision-making were experienced (b) the extent to which they perceived difficulties in relation to particular features of decisions and finally, (c) the extent to which participants with ASD believed that their condition enhanced or interfered with their own decision-making. ![]() All participants completed a novel questionnaire to evaluate their decision-making experiences. The groups were matched for age, gender and verbal IQ. The participants were 38 adults with ASD and 40 neurotypical comparison adults (with no family history of ASD), aged 16 to 65 years. In addition, it was expected that participants with ASD would report interference from their condition when making decisions. decisions that need to be made quickly), and (c) greater reliance on rational, avoidant, and dependent styles of decision-making. feeling exhausted), (b) greater difficulty with particular features of decisions (e.g. The researchers hypothesized that compared with a neurotypical group, participants with ASD would report: (a) more frequent experiences of problems during decision-making (e.g. Despite autobiographical accounts and limited studies, the extent to which, in everyday life, people with ASD experience difficulties with decision-making is largely unknown.Ī recent study published in the journal Autism sought to extend this important area of research by comparing the “real-life” decision-making experiences of adults with and without ASD. Likewise, a small number of experimental studies have suggested differences between the decision-making of adults with ASD and their neurotypical counterparts. However, several autobiographical accounts (e.g., Temple Grandin) suggest that making decisions can present significant problems for individuals with ASD. ![]() This includes new developmental challenges such as independent living, vocational engagement, post-secondary education, and family support.ĭecision-making is an important part of almost every aspect of life. Consequently, the focus of intervention/treatment must shift from remediating core deficits in childhood to promoting adaptive behaviors that can facilitate and enhance ultimate functional independence and quality of life in adulthood. Even though the core symptoms of ASD (impairments in communication and social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors and interests) may improve overtime with intervention for many individuals, some degree of impairment typically remains throughout the lifespan. It is only recently that psychologists have begun to appreciate the complex challenges faced by a “lost generation” of adults with autism spectrum disorders. Although there has been a dramatic increase in the research and clinical studies related to children and adolescents, there is a paucity of information regarding more capable adults on the autism spectrum.
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