Quality of Life in Emerging Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability that is associated with deficits in social interaction and communication and with restricted and repetitive behaviors (American Psyciatric Association, 2013). There has been a documented increase in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), making it to be one of the fastest growing disabilities in children (Hartley-McAndrew, 2014). In the United States, the prevalence of ASD is approximately 1 in 68 children, with 1 in 42 among boys (CDC, 2014). With this increase in prevalence, adult outcomes have become an increasing priority for this population. While the concept of quality of life has been used in the field of intellectual disabilities for decades, the factors contributing to quality of life of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have received relatively little attention.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the influences of degree of disability, social and communication ability, academic success, employment, and independence and autonomy on quality of life in young adults with high-functioning autism.

Methods:  Participants ( n @ 230) were individuals from the dataset of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2) who had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Cameto, et al, 2004).

Results:  Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that employment (F (@ 230) = 4.90,  p < .05, adjusted  R²  = .05) , social involvement (F = 11.54, adjusted  R²  = .11), being able to communicate, converse, and understand (F = 7.03,  adjusted  R²  = .18), in addition to age and gender, were significant in predicting higher quality of life. Factors found not to contribute to QoL included degree of disability (Woodcock-Johnson III) and education.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of autism diagnosis is on the rise across the lifespan (CDC, 2014). While research continues to target diagnosis and early intervention for children, work needs to focus also on those who are approaching adulthood with respect to their quality of life. They are now out of school and many efforts to improve their functioning are finished. The mandate for school intervention is now ended, and what young adults get in their communities is highly variable but is often next to nothing. Our attention now needs to look at the quality of life that these young people have as they embark upon their adult years. This study helps to shed light on the development of higher quality of life in young adults with HFA and highlights areas for future research and training with these members of society. 

The attached image illustrates two young men from this sample. Participant A has a relatively low quality of life. He is a 20-year old male with difficulty in communication, not belonging to a social group, not employed, still in high school, and with an average autonomy rating. Participant B is a  20-year old male, who does not have trouble communicating with others, belongs to a social group, has graduated from high school, has a job, and has an above-average autonomy rating. His QoL score is high.