Work

Adaptive Behavior Change in Autism: Outcomes from a Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Cohort

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a medically centered, interdisciplinary treatment model on adaptive behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Cortica model involves a comprehensive program including behavioral and developmental therapies, overseen by a neurodevelopmental physician. Here, we investigated how adaptive behaviors change over time during care at Cortica. Methods: We analyzed changes in the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales over the course of Cortica care compared to a community sample comprising longitudinal data from the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR). Results: Using propensity score weights to match cohorts based on baseline functioning, multilevel growth curve models showed significant Cohort × Time interactions for the Adaptive Behavior Composite (ABC) score and all subscale scores, indicating increased growth in adaptive behavior skills for children in the Cortica cohort relative to NDAR. Conclusions: Results of this study highlight the importance of using adaptive behaviors as a primary outcome in clinical research studies and suggest that a personalized, multidisciplinary approach to intervention can result in improved adaptive behavior skills over time.

Source: Journal of Personalized Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jpm16050242

Authors: Kelly Olvany, Annie Aitken, Elysa J. Marco, Neil Hattangadi, Kevin A. Shapiro

Institutions: New York University, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137