biostudies-literatureForbes GAutism SpeaksNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)Wellcome Trust458-473https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10947100biostudies-literatureUnknown16(2)This study describes social, mental health, and quality of life outcomes in early adulthood, and examines childhood predictors in the Special Needs and Autism Project (SNAP), a longitudinal population-based cohort. Young autistic adults face variable but often substantial challenges across many areas of life. Prediction of outcomes is important to set expectations and could lead to the development of targeted early intervention. Autistic children were enrolled at age 12 and parents reported outcomes 11 years later when their children were age 23 (n = 121). Thirty six percent of autistic adults were in competitive employment or education and 54% had frequent contact with friends. Only 5% of autistic adults were living independently, and 37% required overnight care. Moderate or severe anxietAutism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchHow do autistic people fare in adult life and can we predict it from childhood?PMC10947100NIHR200242NIHR301522NF-SI-0514-100737729Pickles ASimonoff EKent RForbes GCharman TBaird GfalseHow do autistic people fare in adult life and can we predict it from childhood?This study describes social, mental health, and quality of life outcomes in early adulthood, and examines childhood predictors in the Special Needs and Autism Project (SNAP), a longitudinal population-based cohort. Young autistic adults face variable but often substantial challenges across many areas of life. Prediction of outcomes is important to set expectations and could lead to the development of targeted early intervention. Autistic children were enrolled at age 12 and parents reported outcomes 11 years later when their children were age 23 (n = 121). Thirty six percent of autistic adults were in competitive employment or education and 54% had frequent contact with friends. Only 5% of autistic adults were living independently, and 37% required overnight care. Moderate or severe anxiet2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Feb2026-07-14T22:48:24.775Z2025-02-19T03:08:53.241ZS-EPMC109471003651926510.1002/aur.2868