Objective and subjective psychosocial outcomes in adults with autism spectrum disorder: A 6-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Research has shown lower rates of employment and independent living in adults with autism. Many of these findings are based on cross-sectional studies, predominantly involving male participants. In a 6-year longitudinal study, we examined determinants of psychosocial outcomes in 917 adults with autism spectrum disorder (425 men, 492 women, mean age 43.5 years). Most were diagnosed in adulthood and had (above) average intellectual abilities. Via a yearly online survey, participants’ objective psychosocial functioning (based on employment, independent living and friendship) and subjective well-being were assessed. Averaged across the five waves of the study, 86% of the sample showed a fair to very good level of objective psychosocial functioning. Objective psychosocial functioning and subjective well-being were positively correlated, and both improved over time. Lower intellectual ability, more autism traits, co-occurring psychiatric conditions and younger age predicted poorer objective outcomes. More autism traits and co-occurring psychiatric conditions predicted lower subjective well-being. There were no gender differences in initial levels of, or changes in, objective and subjective outcomes over time. This study has identified important risk/protective factors for psychosocial outcomes across early and middle adulthood. In general, the findings offer a more positive outlook for adults with autism and average to high intellectual abilities. Lay abstract: Previous research has shown that relatively few adults with autism have a paid job or live on their own. However, outcomes also vary a lot and may depend on many different factors. In this study, we examined the level of functioning and happiness of 917 adults with autism (425 men and 492 women) aged 18–65 years. Most of them were of average to high intellectual ability. Over 6 years, we measured whether they had a paid job, close friendships and lived on their own (i.e. their objective functioning). We also measured how happy they felt. Objectively, most autistic adults did fairly to very well. Those with better objective outcomes (e.g. those with paid work) also tended to be happier. Most adults improved in objective functioning and happiness over 6 years. Participants with a lower intellectual ability, more autism traits, mental health problems and younger age had poorer objective outcomes. Participants with more autism traits and mental health problems were less happy. Autistic men and women functioned at similar levels and were equally happy. We found important factors that predict a better (or worse) outcome for autistic adults. Overall, compared with some previous research, our findings give a more positive picture of the outcomes for autistic adults with average to high intellectual abilities.