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Published on: October 3, 2018
Autism spectrum disorder: outcomes in adulthood
Patricia Howlin1, Iliana Magiati
1aDepartment of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK bFaculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia cDepartment of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face social and employment challenges, alongside mental health issues. More research is needed to understand factors influencing adult ASD outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Adult Psychology
- Social Psychiatry
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research has historically focused less on adult life, but recent recognition of its significant impact has spurred adult-focused studies.
- Understanding adult outcomes in ASD is crucial due to the substantial psychological and social costs associated with the condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize recent empirical findings on the outcomes for adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes findings from empirical studies examining adult outcomes in ASD.
- Methodological variations, participant selection, and outcome measures across studies are noted as sources of variability.
Main Results:
- Research indicates limited social integration, poor employment prospects, and high rates of mental health problems in adults with ASD.
- Conflicting estimates exist regarding the prevalence of social and mental health issues due to diverse study methodologies.
- There is a lack of consistent information on factors promoting positive outcomes and a notable gap in research on older adults with ASD.
Conclusions:
- The heterogeneity of ASD contributes to variable research findings on adult outcomes.
- Systematic research is essential to identify distinct developmental trajectories in adulthood and the influencing factors for individuals with ASD.
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