Objective and subjective psychosocial outcomes in adults with autism spectrum disorder: A 6-year longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT:

Lay abstract

Previous research has shown that relatively few adults with autism have a paid job or live on their own. However, outcomes also vary a lot and may depend on many different factors. In this study, we examined the level of functioning and happiness of 917 adults with autism (425 men and 492 women) aged 18-65 years. Most of them were of average to high intellectual ability. Over 6 years, we measured whether they had a paid job, close friendships and lived on their own (i.e. their objective functioning). We also measured how happy they felt. Objectively, most autistic adults did fairly to very well. Those with better objective outcomes (e.g. those with paid work) also tended to be happier. Most adults improved in objective functioning and happiness over 6 years. Participan

SUBMITTER: Scheeren AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8750151 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature