How do autistic people fare in adult life and can we predict it from childhood?

This study followed autistic children from age 12 to 23 to see how they were doing as adults. About one-third had jobs or were in education, and half had regular friends. However, very few (5%) lived on their own, and many still needed overnight support. Mental health was better than expected, with low rates of severe anxiety or depression.

The researchers found that childhood IQ and daily living skills could help predict some adult outcomes like employment and independence, but couldn't predict friendships or mental health well.

This longitudinal study followed 121 autistic individuals from age 12 to 23, examining adult outcomes and childhood predictors. Results showed 36% were in competitive employment/education, 54% had frequent friend contact, but only 5% lived independently with 37% requiring overnight care. Moderate/severe anxiety and depression affected 11% and 12% respectively. Quality of life was similar to UK averages except for social relationships.

Childhood IQ, autism traits, and adaptive functioning predicted living situation, employment/education, and physical health outcomes, but poorly predicted friendships and mental health. The study suggests autistic young adults face challenges in normative social outcomes but may fare better in mental health than expected.

Results support focusing early intervention on adaptive functioning and daily living skills. Childhood assessments can inform transition planning for employment and independent living. Mental health outcomes appear more positive than anticipated, but social relationship support remains crucial.

Single cohort study with unclear methodology. Sample size relatively small (n=121) for subgroup analyses. Outcomes assessed at single timepoint (age 23) may not reflect longer-term trajectories. Parent-reported outcomes may introduce bias. Generalizability unclear without demographic details.

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 anxiety and depression symptoms were found for 11% and 12% of young adults, respectively. Subjective quality of life was similar to UK averages except for social relationships.

Using childhood IQ, autism traits and adaptive functioning meaningful predictions can be made of living situation, employment and education and physical health. Prediction was poor for friendships, mental health outcomes and other aspects of quality of life. Our results suggest that although young autistic adults face challenges across normative, social outcomes, they may be faring better in regard to mental health or quality of life. Childhood IQ, autism traits and adaptive functioning are most useful for predicting outcomes.

After accounting for these factors, childhood measurements of behavioral and emotional problems and language offered little improvement in prediction of adult outcomes.