The Autism Constellation and Neurodiversity: Long-Term and Adult Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Research on autistic adults suggests significant heterogeneity in outcomes. A significant proportion of individuals struggle with intellectual disability and limited communication skills. Of the 67% who have age-appropriate cognitive skills, around half are expected to attain a college education, and 25% are likely to hold a full-time job. Outcomes have been improving over time, in part because of earlier diagnosis and earlier intervention. Indeed, an estimated 10% to 20% are expected to lose all symptoms of autism by adolescence.

Keywords: Behavioral outcomes; Developmental trajectory; Early intervention; Neural changes in autism; Self-reported priorities in autistic adults.