Social support and links to quality of life among middle-aged and older autistic adults.

The study measured people at one time, so it cannot show that social support causes better quality of life. Participants were recruited online from a registry and were paid, which may limit how well they represent autistic adults outside that setting. The sample was made up of independent autistic adults likely without intellectual disability and had high education, so it may not represent autistic adults who need more daily support. The sample had limited ethno-racial representation. The models did not explain all differences in quality of life, so other factors may matter. Autism-specific quality of life results should be read cautiously because the disability module was not administered and item responses may differ by sex. The study was not designed or carried out with autistic community involvement.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. Funding included George Washington University start-up funds, an Autism Speaks Postdoctoral Fellowship, and a Fulbright visiting scholar award.

Do not read these associations as proof that adding social support improves quality of life. The study measured people at one time and only linked perceived support with higher quality of life after accounting for depression, anxiety, health conditions, age and sex.