Psicothema was founded in Asturias (northern Spain) in 1989, and is published jointly by the Psychology Faculty of the University of Oviedo and the Psychological Association of the Principality of Asturias (Colegio Oficial de Psicología del Principado de Asturias).
We currently publish four issues per year, which accounts for some 100 articles annually. We admit work from both the basic and applied research fields, and from all areas of Psychology, all manuscripts being anonymously reviewed prior to publication.
Belén Roselló1, Álvaro Mira1, Carmen Berenguer1, Inmaculada Baixauli2 and Ana Miranda1
1 University of Valencia,
2 Catholic University of Valencia
Background: The transition to adolescence can be challenging for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study explored child and family variables that predict functional outcomes of adolescents with ASD in emotional/behavioral difficulties, socialization, daily living skills, and the transition to secondary education. Method: Forty-five individuals with ASD, without intellectual disability, were assessed during childhood (aged 7-11) and almost five years later. Child measures (executive functions, theory of mind, autism symptom severity) and parent measures (parenting stress, social support, coping strategies) were collected. Results: In adolescence, the predictive power of childhood executive functions was important for academic and behavioral/emotional indicators whereas theory of mind mainly predicted adaptive and behavior/emotional outcomes. ASD symptoms had predictive value in all outcome domains. Parental educational level, social support and parenting distress predicted socialization, while the engagement coping strategy had a significant role in daily living skills. Conclusions: The findings raise several clinical considerations related to assessment and intervention in autism. Executive functions and theory of mind programs could help to improve behavior/emotional, adaptive outcomes, and adjustment to school. In addition, the study indicates the need for family-centered interventions based on positive parenting practices and principles of behavioral analysis along with parental support, stress management and coping strategies.
Predictores Personales y Familiares de Resultados Funcionales de Adolescentes con Trastorno del Espectro del Autismo. Antecedentes: el presente estudio exploró variables del niño y familiares que predicen el funcionamiento conductual/ emocional, adaptativo y transición a la Secundaria de adolescentes con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Método: se evaluó a 45 individuos con TEA sin discapacidad intelectual en la infancia y casi 5 años después, recogiendo información del niño (funciones ejecutivas, teoría de la mente, y síntomas de autismo), y de padres (estrés, apoyo social, estrategias de afrontamiento). Resultados: las funciones ejecutivas predijeron adaptación académica y dificultades en la adolescencia, mientras que la teoría de la mente predijo resultados en socialización y habilidades de la vida diaria. Los síntomas de autismo tuvieron valor predictivo en los cuatro dominios de resultados. El nivel educativo, el estrés de los padres y el apoyo social predijeron la socialización, mientras que la implicación predijo las habilidades de la vida diaria. Conclusiones: los hallazgos tienen connotaciones para la evaluación e intervención en autismo. Los programas en funciones ejecutivas y en teoría de la mente mejorarían resultados conductuales/emocionales, adaptativos y ajuste escolar. Además, el estudio señala la necesidad de incluir en las intervenciones con familias principios de paternidad positiva y de análisis conductual, junto con apoyo parental, manejo del estrés y estrategias de afrontamiento.
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https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2022.81