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Review
. 2024 Apr;71(2):327-341.
doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.003. Epub 2024 Jan 29.

The Autism Constellation and Neurodiversity: Long-Term and Adult Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Inge-Marie Eigsti  1
Affiliations
Review

The Autism Constellation and Neurodiversity: Long-Term and Adult Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Inge-Marie Eigsti. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Research on autistic adults suggests significant heterogeneity in outcomes. A significant proportion of individuals struggle with intellectual disability and limited communication skills. Of the 67% who have age-appropriate cognitive skills, around half are expected to attain a college education, and 25% are likely to hold a full-time job. Outcomes have been improving over time, in part because of earlier diagnosis and earlier intervention. Indeed, an estimated 10% to 20% are expected to lose all symptoms of autism by adolescence.

Keywords: Behavioral outcomes; Developmental trajectory; Early intervention; Neural changes in autism; Self-reported priorities in autistic adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The author has no commercial or financial conflicts of interest to disclose. This research was funded by NIMH, United States-1R01MH112687-01A1 to I.M. Eigsti and D.A. Fein (MPIs).

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