Residential placement and quality of life for adults with severe autism spectrum disorders and severe-to-profound intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between some main characteristics of different living arrangements and the quality of life (QoL) of their users with severe intellectual disability and low-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Design/methodology/approach Study participants were assessed for ASD severity through the Childhood Autism Rating Scale or the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS): for behavioral problems with the aberrant behavior checklist (ABC); for perception of efficacy and satisfaction with care, through an adapted Visual Analogue Scale; and for QoL with the QoL inventory in residential environments (validated in French as Inventaire de la Qualité de Vie en Milieu Résidentiel). Because the goal was to define a “residential profile (RP),” the authors evaluated each participating residence with the Working Methods Scale and the questionnaire on residential parameters. Findings The RP allowed for the classification of the residences into three clusters. The authors found no clear relationship between QoL and the RP clusters, but the authors found the RP clusters to be significantly correlated with ABC factors F1 (irritability, agitation, crying) and F2 (lethargy, social withdrawal), and VABS scores for living, socialization, and motor skills. Originality/value RPs were more strongly correlated with ABC items and the ability to cope with everyday life than with QoL. The authors hypothesize that RP is correlated with both aberrant behavior and the autonomy of residents and that QoL remains relatively stable. Therefore, RP is correlated with the status of the residents; however, this appears not to be correlated with their QoL.

Epileptic-Like Disorder as an Underlying Condition in ASD, OCD, and ADHD

“…Since her integration into the Residence where she currently lives, Jeanine has benefited from the introduction of a TEACCH structured program (Carminati et al, 2017;Gerber et al, 2008).…”

Mirror Psycho-Pedagogy in the Population with Severe Intellectual Disability and Severe Autism (SIDSA)

“…There is a form of inconsistency between the relatively small number of people affected by this disorder and the economic and organizational investment necessary to offer them a minimal quality of life. Another inconsistency is that, due to their inability or extreme poverty of language, their quality-of-life rests upon the judgment of others (Galli Carminati et al, 2017). In addition, ideals of self-determination, social integration, activity if not productive, at least sheltered, often grounded in the best humanistic intentions of respect for the population with disabilities (in the general sense), risk to become for this specific population-given its lack of anticipation and adaptability to changes as well as its almost neurological vulnerability to stress-a source of maladaptation, stress and-ultimately-reduced quality of life.…”