|
Abstract
|
Aim
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects individuals across various life domains, often persisting into adulthood. This study evaluated the current status and social functioning of individuals with ASD initially assessed between 2004 and 2006.
Method
Participants diagnosed with ASD and evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) during 2004–2006 (T1) were contacted for follow-up in 2023 (T2). Sociodemographic data, psychiatric comorbidities (DSM-5), and updated ABC scores were collected. Parents completed the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) for their adult children. Changes in ABC scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, relationships between variables with Spearman’s correlation, and predictors of social functioning using linear regression and mediation analysis after normal distribution of residuals was confirmed.
Results
Of 41 individuals evaluated at T1, contact was established with 33; 28 (85.7% male, age: 25.54 ± 2.66) agreed to participate. The mean follow-up duration was 18 years. All participants lived with family and were single (100%), and 42.9% reported a past romantic partner. Educationally, 50% completed middle school, 32.1% high school. Psychiatric comorbidities were present in 57.1%, with anxiety disorders most common (28.6%), followed by schizophrenia (10.7%), bipolar disorder (7.1%), OCD (3.6%). Although none were currently attending, all participants had attended special education programs; 85.7% held an official disability report. While the ABC Sensory subscale significantly increased over time (W = 36.5, p < .001), no significant changes occurred in other subscales or total scores.
Mediation analysis examined baseline autism severity and social functioning (SFS Total) via current severity, adjusting for diagnosis age and comorbidities. Baseline severity predicted current severity (B = 0.58, p = .015), which negatively affected social functioning (B = -1.93, p < .001). The indirect effect of ABC T1 on SFS via ABC T2 was significant (B = -0.81, p = .014). Diagnosis age and comorbidities had no significant effects on current severity or social functioning. Social outcomes were primarily determined by current autism severity.
Conclusion
Current autistic symptoms significantly impact social functioning in adults with ASD, independent of diagnosis age and psychiatric comorbidities. These findings underscore the need for sustained, age-appropriate interventions throughout life to improve long-term social outcomes.
|
