Health Factors, Sociability, and Academic Outcomes of Typically Developing Youth and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Latent Class Analysis Approach

To identify profiles of both typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on health indicators, and academic/social engagement. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify profiles of children from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health, based on physical activity, screen time, sleep, and academic/social engagement. A three-profile solution was the best fitting model, with children in profile 3 characterized as having excellent health, and academic/social outcomes, compared to profiles 1 and 2. Compared to TD youth, a greater percentage of youth with ASD fit into the poorer health profiles. Studies should examine whether health interventions for youth with ASD can improve factors, such as academic engagement and social interaction.

Automated summary

Latent class analysis was used to identify three profiles of children based on health indicators and academic/social engagement, with profile 3 being characterized by excellent health and academic/social outcomes. Children with autism spectrum disorder were more likely to fit into the poorer health profiles compared to typically developing youth. Studies should explore health interventions for youth with ASD to potentially improve academic engagement and social interaction.