# Cross‐Cultural Comparison of Adaptive Behaviour Between British and Brazilian Clinical Samples With Neurodevelopmental Disorders

## TL;DR

This study compares adaptive behavior in children with autism from Brazil and the UK, finding similar overall profiles except for self-direction skills.

## Contribution

The study provides a cross-cultural comparison of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder using standardized assessments.

## Key findings

- Brazilian children scored higher than UK children in self-direction skills.
- Overall adaptive behavior profiles were similar across the two cultures.
- The study highlights the importance of self-direction in adaptive functioning.

## Abstract

Adaptive behaviour deficits are limitations in executing daily activities and difficulties in responding to environmental changes, which impact social participation and independence across contexts. Adaptive behaviour measures can be used to guide interventions for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Cross‐cultural studies can contribute to the understanding of adaptive functioning of neurodivergence across countries.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the adaptive behaviour profiles of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental condition from different countries.

Forty‐eight children with an autism spectrum diagnosis were equally separated into country groups (Brazil and the United Kingdom) and ages (5–10 and 11–17 years old) and were evaluated with the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, 3rd Edition (ABAS‐3), the Parent Form (Ages 5–21), using the raw scores of the questionnaire.

The only scale in which a difference between nationality groups was identified was the self‐direction scale, which evaluates skills needed for independence, responsibility and self‐control, with older Brazilians scoring higher than their British peers in the same age group.

Similar profiles of adaptive functioning in individuals with ASD were found across cultures, with a singular difference in the self‐direction scale. The study's findings shed light on the need for interventions to increase adaptive functioning skills acquisition, regardless of the culture or country in which the individual is.