Home organization and adaptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder

Purpose A chaotic home environment, marked by disorganization, noise and a lack of routine, has negative associations with language development, social competence and executive functioning. This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of chaotic homes on adaptive behaviors, or behaviors that allow independent functioning, in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical (NT) children. Children with ASD have difficulties with adaptive functioning in their environment, and identifying factors in the home that may exacerbate these behaviors will help in understanding the larger family dynamics that may affect behavior. Design/methodology/approach In total, 251 primary caregivers completed questionnaires about their children’s adaptive behavior and the structure of the home environment. Findings The results of a mediation analysis found a significant indirect effect of ASD status leading to lower adaptive behaviors through home chaos. This suggests those with ASD experienced more household chaos than NT children, which influenced their lower adaptive behavior scores. Originality/value This research provides insights into the complex relationship between the home environment and child behavior in children with ASD.