The role of the environmental factors on the development of adaptive skills in intellectual disabilities subjects

Abstract

The aims of the study was to evaluate if environmental factors can influence the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention of subjects with intellectual disabilities. 46 adolescents and adults with mental retardation, in semi-residential rehabilitative treatment, have been assessed over a 2-years period. The evolution of adaptive functioning over time has been assessed through the AAMD-ABS. The development of the adaptive skills at follow-up has been correlated with socio-economic and cultural factors. Linear regression showed that age of both parents, mother's health status, lack of one parent, SES, and housing conditions, represent significant covariates to predicting evolution of the adaptive functioning; these factors independently influence effectiveness of the therapy from the kind of treatment. The results demonstrate that effectiveness of the therapy can be conditioned from ability to fulfil the needs of the families, through social and supporting programs.