Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults: an integrative review about strategies for promotion and maintenance of quality of life.

This research looked at ways to help autistic adults have better quality of life. It reviewed 44 studies with over 180,000 autistic adults. The researchers found that autistic people face different challenges as they get older, but there isn't enough research on how to help them. The study showed that ongoing support throughout life and early help are very important for keeping autistic adults healthy and happy.

This integrative review examined strategies for promoting and maintaining quality of life in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Analyzing 44 studies involving 184,653 participants (average age 43.5 years), researchers identified key areas affecting autistic adults: cognitive aspects, mental health/suffering, and quality of life promotion strategies. The review highlighted significant gaps in the literature regarding developmental strategies for autistic adults, despite autism's lifelong impact on social, communication, and behavioral skills. Findings emphasize that early interventions and continuous life support are essential for maintaining cognitive health and quality of life in autistic adults, addressing the increased difficulties experienced across different life phases.

Supports development of comprehensive, lifelong support models for autistic adults. Emphasizes need for early intervention continuation into adulthood and integrated approaches addressing cognitive, mental health, and quality of life domains. Highlights urgent need for more research on adult autism developmental strategies.

As an integrative review, findings depend on quality and scope of included studies. The abstract does not specify methodology details, inclusion criteria rigor, or quality assessment procedures. Limited information provided about specific interventions or outcome measures used across the 44 included studies.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience phases of life beyond childhood, which increase the difficulties inherent in each cycle. In contrast, the scientific literature lacks broad reviews of developmental strategies regarding quality of life, even though ASD encompasses changes in social, communicative, and behavioral skills. This study aimed to identify strategies for promoting and maintaining quality of life among adults diagnosed with autism. This integrative review was conducted in Brazil.

This review searched the Scopus and Web of Science databases, from strategies that combined the descriptors ("Autism Spectrum Disorder"), ("Autism"), ("Aging"), and ("Quality of life"). Original studies with the full text available in English published between 2018 and 2023 were included, if they responded to the eligibility criteria. In total, 3,098 studies were identified, of which 44 were selected to compose the bibliographic sample of this review. The population sample included 184,653 participants diagnosed with ASD, aged on average 43.5 years old.

The following were described for adults with autism: 1) cognitive aspects, 2) aspects related to suffering/mental illness, and 3) strategies to promote quality of life. This research contributes to basic clinical practice and promotes responsible care that attends to the health needs of people with autism throughout life. Early interventions in autistic adults and the availability of support throughout life are essential for maintaining cognitive health and quality of life.