Hope in Neurodiverse Adolescents: Disparities and Correlates

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Hope is reliably associated with positive outcomes in youth; however, prior literature has yet to explore hope in neurodiverse individuals. As adolescents with neurodevelopmental differences (ND) display distinct neurocognitive profiles and are at risk for poor psychosocial outcomes, it is essential to understand how this marginalized group may vary in their own subjective ratings of hope, and how hope may relate to positive adjustment in this population. Further investigation of relational determinants, such as family characteristics and peer relationships, is also warranted to increase understanding of how various dimensions of social support relate to hope for different populations. Methods The current study assessed group differences in hope for ND adolescents on the autism spectrum and/or with intellectual disabilities, as compared to neurotypical (NT) adolescents. Additionally, correlates and predictors of hope were clarified across neurodiverse groups. Participants included 185 adolescents (NT: n = 96; ND: n = 89) and their mothers as part of a larger longitudinal study. Results Results indicated that adolescents with ND reported significantly lower hope than NT peers, t(183) = 3.31, p = .001, with autistic adolescents at highest risk. Regardless of neurodevelopmental status, greater hope was associated with fewer internalizing symptoms (F(1,178) = 12.35, p = .001) and higher quality of life (F(1,179) = 57.05, p < .001). Furthermore, maternal scaffolding and adolescent social skills were predictive of higher hope across groups. Conclusions Findings underscore the importance of hope in adolescence for all youth and highlight avenues for intervention.