Ageing and autism: A longitudinal follow-up study of mental health and quality of life in autistic adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Poor mental health is known to adversely affect functional abilities, social isolation, and quality of life (QoL). It is, therefore, crucial to consider the long-term impacts of mental health conditions as autistic adults grow older.

Objectives

To explore, in a group of community-based autistic adults, the extent of: (i) autistic traits, co-occurring physical and mental health conditions; (ii) age-related differences in those conditions, and changes over time; and (iii) their impact on everyday living and QoL.

Method

About Sixty-eight autistic adults (aged 19-80 years) participated in the first study (T1); 49 participants from T1 took part in a follow-up at T2 (mean retest interval 2.4 years). Standardised self-report measures of autistic traits, mental hea

SUBMITTER: Roestorf A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9447441 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature