Investigating the Role of Emotion Perception in the Adaptive Functioning of Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Cognitive functioning has historically been used to predict adaptive outcomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorders; however, research shows that it does not adequately predict these outcomes. Therefore, the current study explored the role of emotion perception in the adaptive functioning of individuals with ASDs. Emotion perception was assessed using the DANVA-2, which has audio and static face stimuli, and the DAVE, dynamic, audio-visual emotion movies. Adaptive functioning was assessed using the Vineland-II Socialization, Communication, and Daily Living domains. Results indicated that individuals with ASDs demonstrated significant impairments in both adaptive functioning and emotion perception compared to typical individuals. Findings did not demonstrate a relationship between emotion perception and adaptive functioning, controlling for IQ. Future research should broaden the approach when investigating possible mechanisms of change for adaptive outcomes to include exploration of social perception more broadly, of which emotion perception is one component, and its relationship with adaptive outcomes

Predictors of Caregiver Confidence in Caring for Their Hospitalized Child Following Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury

There is a robust body of research regarding outcomes following pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). However, these studies generally explore medium-term outcomes (i.e., 3 to 12-months postinjury), whereas functioning during acute stages following ABI is poorly understood. In particular, there is limited knowledge regarding caregiver functioning during a child’s hospitalization immediately after ABI. This study sought to identify and model caregiver and child predictors of ‘caregiver confidence’ in caring for their hospitalized child. Caregivers of 45 children with diverse types of new-onset acquired brain injuries completed self-report measures of their own psychological functioning, stress, and confidence levels, as well as their perceptions of their child’s stress and coping. Results showed that caregiver psychological functioning was negatively associated with caregiver confidence, and caregiver perceptions of child coping were positively associated with caregiver confidence. Child functional status did not serve as a significant mediator in this relationship as per the hypothesized model

Short Report: The Role of Emotion Perception in Adaptive Functioning of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Cognitive functioning has historically been used to predict adaptive outcomes of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, research shows that it is not a complete predictor. The current study explored whether emotion perception was a predictor of adaptive outcomes, and more specifically, hypothesized that emotion perception (DANVA-2 error scores) would mediate adaptive functioning of people with ASDs (Vineland-II). People with ASDs demonstrated significantly lower adaptive functioning and emotion perception skills compared to typically-developing individuals. Emotion perception acted as a significant mediator for socialization, but not communication or daily living skills, highlighting that in people with ASDs, lower socialization abilities is the result, in part, of emotion perception deficits. It was unexpected that emotion perception was not a mediator for communication skills. This may be related to sample restrictions, or the narrow focus on emotion perception. Future research should involve a larger, more inclusive ASD sample, broaden approaches to exploring relationships between social perception and adaptive outcomes, and relate findings to brain mechanisms underlying emotion perception