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. 2018 Jan;11(1):142-152.
doi: 10.1002/aur.1897. Epub 2017 Dec 20.

Mid-life social outcomes for a population-based sample of adults with ASD

Megan Farley  1 , Kristina J Cottle  2 , Deborah Bilder  2 , Joseph Viskochil  2 , Hilary Coon  2 , William McMahon  2
Affiliations

Mid-life social outcomes for a population-based sample of adults with ASD

Megan Farley et al. Autism Res. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) fall short of social outcomes of non-ASD peers in mid-life, as documented by currently published research. The aim of the current study was to extend what is known about social functioning, employment, independent living, and use of social services by examining details of the current life status for a population-based sample of adults with ASD (mean age = 35.5 years, range = 22.2-51.4). We collected outcome data via direct assessment and informant report for 169 individuals. Three-fourths of the sample had cognitive abilities in the intellectually disabled range. Social functioning outcomes, as a single measure, mirror those reported previously for other samples, including samples with a high proportion of individuals with normal range intellectual abilities, with 20% achieving the most independent outcomes and 46% requiring high levels of support across most life areas. Participant subgroups who achieved maximal outcomes represented a range of social and intellectual abilities for several outcome metrics. Participants used high levels of public and private supports, yet specific areas of clear, unmet need were also identified. Autism Res 2018, 11: 142-152. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay summary: This paper describes the social functioning outcomes for 169 adults with autism spectrum disorders in mid-life. Adult participants spanned the full range of functional and cognitive ability levels, with over 75% functioning in the cognitively impaired range. While summary descriptions of outcomes for this sample were similar to those reported for other groups of adults, this report provides detailed information regarding employment outcomes, social relationships, leisure activities, participation in the community, residential situations, public service use, and involvement with law enforcement.

Keywords: adult; autism spectrum disorder; employment; housing; legal; leisure; longitudinal; outcome; relationships; transportation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Participation Status
162 total participants (unshaded boxes); 143 non-participants (shaded boxes). 1 Two more individuals passed away in the course of the study, following their participation. They are included in the n collected. The final n deceased was 34. 2 Parents or other next of kin were interviewed for information concerning their family member with ASD
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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