Mid-life social outcomes for a population-based sample of adults with ASD.

Data were collected for 169 of 305 potential participants, and the final analysis used 162 after sibling removal, so many cohort members were not represented. Participants had higher childhood IQ scores than nonparticipants, so the results may reflect more independent functioning than would be seen in the full original sample. Most outcomes were reported by informants, usually parents, and the study did not measure the adults' own subjective experiences. The cohort was identified in Utah in the 1980s, mostly with significant childhood impairment and high rates of intellectual disability, so it may not represent adults diagnosed later or without intellectual disability. Current autistic symptoms were not assessed for one-third of participants, and many could not be tested because of very low functioning or limited responsiveness. Valid adult IQ scores were available for only 72 of 162 participants; many others were estimated from adaptive behaviour and clinical judgment.

Do not assume these mid-life outcomes apply to all adults with autism. This cohort was identified in Utah in the 1980s, 77% were at IQ 70 or below, and participants had higher childhood IQ than nonparticipants.