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. 2021 Jul;51(7):2531-2537.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04660-8.

Examining Environmental Predictors of Community Participation for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Dara V Chan  1 , Mark R Klinger  2 , Kelsie A Adkisson  3   4 , Laura G Klinger  2   5
Affiliations

Examining Environmental Predictors of Community Participation for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Dara V Chan et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

A geographic information system (GIS) approach systematically assessed whether population density and distribution of community resources contributed to caregiver reported community participation outcomes for 124 adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Regression analyses examined whether GIS measures predicted community participation in areas of social activities and use of services, while also accounting for adult age, conversation ability, and daily living skills (DLS). Results indicated that in addition to person factors of greater DLS and better conversation ability, access to specific community features, such as bus stops, contributed to improved participation. Unexpectedly, population density where one lived made minimal contribution to participation outcomes, except in getting together with friends outside of organized activities.

Keywords: Adults; Autism spectrum disorder; Community participation; Geographic information systems (GIS); Services.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest Dara Chan has received research grants from The Autism Science Foundation, the Organization for Autism Research, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Junior Faculty Development Award and the University Research Council. Laura Klinger received research grants from Autism Speaks (#8316) and the Foundation of Hope.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Example of participant home location mapped in ArcGIS with community features within 0.5, 1, and 2 mile radii
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Population density map in GIS with participant home locations, and an example of a densely populated area zoomed in
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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