Range of outcomes and challenges in middle and later life

Abstract

As will already be clear at this point in this volume, the focus in research and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) since its first description in 1943 has been on children. While some attention was given to the adult outcomes of people with ASD as early as the 1960s (British Journal of Psychiatry 113:1183-1199, 1967; Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia 1:119-145, 1971; Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia 4:11-32, 1974), the proportion of resources and research focused on adults with ASD has historically been minute compared to that given to children. Large-scale efforts are now underway by community support groups, provider groups, governments, and research organizations to understand the natural progression of ASD across the lifespan and to support adults with autism and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes.