Background: Few studies have explored community participation for autistic adults, with or without intellectual disability. This study aims to investigate how autistic adults participate in the community, and the childhood and adulthood factors that predict community participation in adulthood. Method: Eighty-four autistic adults (mean age 34…

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 highlights the need for special education and related personnel to prepare youth with disabilities for adulthood, particularly in the areas of postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. In accordance with this policy, our study used qualitative case reporting to…

Research has shown lower rates of employment and independent living in adults with autism. Many of these findings are based on cross-sectional studies, predominantly involving male participants. In a 6-year longitudinal study, we examined determinants of psychosocial outcomes in 917 adults with autism spectrum disorder (425 men, 492 women, mean…

This study aims to extend the definition of quality of life (QoL) for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 180, ages 23-60) by: (1) characterizing the heterogeneity of normative outcomes (employment, independent living, social engagement) and objective QoL (physical health, neighborhood quality, family contact, mental health issues); and…

Using data from a national family survey, the authors describe the adult lives (i.e., residence, employment, level of assistance needed with everyday life, friendships, and leisure activities) of 328 adults with the full mutation of the FMR1 gene and identify characteristics related to independence in these domains. Level of functional skills was…

This study examined individual and neighborhood predictors of the psychological community integration of people with psychiatric disabilities and nondisabled community members. One hundred twenty-three adults (60 psychiatrically disabled, 63 general community residents), completed measures of sense of community, life satisfaction, psychiatric…

Differences between 70 adults with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability and 70 age-matched adults with Down syndrome were examined on variables indicative of independence in adult life. Adults with autism spectrum disorder had less residential independence and social contact with friends, had more limited functional abilities and…

A study involving 247 adults with intellectual disability living in group homes, and semi-independent and independent apartments, found residents' personal and behavioral characteristics explained more of the variance of total lifestyle satisfaction than the living arrangement. Participants who did not need mobility assistance or has less problem…

A database was assembled from data collected on all people served by the Developmental Disabilities divisions of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, including state institutions and state-funded programs (n=5,928). Information included provider expenditures associated with each individual, allocations made by individual reimbursement rates,…

Results from a 25-year follow-up study of the Camberwell Cohort (L. Wing & Gould, 1978, 1979) were presented. Ninety-one people, ranging in age from 27 to 41 years, were traced, and an outcome measure was developed incorporating independent functioning, residential placement, employment, and quality of life. Outcome was rated as either poor…

Review of the research about outcomes in adult life for more able individuals within the autistic spectrum focuses on cognitive, linguistic, academic, and adaptive functioning; educational and employment history; independence and social relationships; and behavioral and psychiatric problems. The stability of IQ and other measures over time, and…