Health Behavior Profiles of Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Latent Class Analysis

• In Event: Exploring Academic Outcome, Personal Traits, and Health Behavior: Analytical Accessibility and Advantages of Large-Scale Databases

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on health indicators, ability to make friends, and school engagement. Data were from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, a population-based study that collected health information on a national sample of children and adolescents, and were delimited to children with ASD. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified a three-profile solution. The most distinguishing characteristics of children were overall more positive characteristics (e.g., better health, more school engagement, modest screen time) for children in profile one. Children in profile two had markedly increased screen time (television and computer) and more difficulty in making friends as compared to children in either other profile.

Authors

• Jeanette Garcia, University of Central Florida

• Debbie L. Hahs-Vaughn, University of Central Florida