Autism Through the Ages: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding How Age and Age of Diagnosis Affect Quality of Life

Gray Atherton*, Emma Edisbury, Andrea Piovesan, Liam Cross

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A significant proportion of autistic adults today were not diagnosed until later in life, a group referred to as the ‘lost generation,’ which may affect mental health. In Study 1 we explored quality of life and autistic trait levels in 420 autistic and TD adults, and in Study 2 we explored the experiences of 8 autistic adults diagnosed as adults. We found that autistic adults had lower quality of life outcomes and higher autistic trait levels which related to age of diagnosis, and qualitative findings indicated that while adults were empowered by their new diagnosis, they still require specialized supports. Our findings are discussed, emphasizing future directions and implications for the current care system in place for autistic adults.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3639-3654
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume52
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

Keywords

  • Adulthood
  • Autism
  • Autism quotient
  • Mental health
  • Mixed methods
  • Quality of life

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