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Overall Health, Social Functioning, and Motor Functioning of Individuals with High Functioning and Low Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
example, it has been documented that individuals with ASD have compromised health, social,
and motor impairments. Multiple risk factors play a role in their challenges experienced, as well
as the severity of these challenges. One of the main risk factors is the level of functioning of
individuals. However, there is a lack of research comparing the differences in overall health,
social, and motor impairments individuals with low functioning (LF) and high functioning (HF) ASD experience.
Objectives: For this reason, the current study compared overall health, social functioning, and motor functioning among
individuals diagnosed with ASD through the analysis of the interRAI Child and Youth Mental
Health – Developmental Disabilities (ChYMH-DD) and the interRAI Child and Youth Mental
Health (ChYMH) assessments.
Methods: Participants were divided into two groups, high functioning (HF) and low functioning (LF). Two hundred and seventy-two were HF (IQ<70) (60 females, 212 males) with a mean age of 12.77 years (SD=3.16). One hundred and six were LF individuals (IQ>70) (25 females, 81
males) with a mean age of 11.8 years (SD=3.29). Within both groups, more than half of the
individuals were 12 years or older. Chi-square tests were conducted to detect
differences between groups.
Results: The findings revealed minimal differences between LF and HF
individuals with regards to their overall health and motor functioning. However, significant
differences pertaining to social functioning were revealed. In addition to discussing the
differences pertaining to the social functioning of HF and LF individuals, the study highlights
implications arising from this research as well as opportunities for future research.
Conclusions: ASD is a highly variable disorder, in
that children with the diagnosis exhibit many different characteristics and deficits. As such, it is
important research continues to identify differences across LF and HF individuals allowing for
the development of effective spectrum specific interventions and in turn improve quality of life
among individuals with ASD. It is anticipated reducing the challenges experienced by
individuals with ASD, will in turn reduce stress on their caregivers and family members.