Characterizing Objective Quality of Life and Normative Outcomes in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis

• Published in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2016-08, Vol.46 (8), p.2707-2719
• Main Authors: Bishop-Fitzpatrick, Lauren, Hong, Jinkuk, Smith, Leann E., Makuch, Renee A., Greenberg, Jan S., Mailick, Marsha R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder - diagnosis; Autism Spectrum Disorder - psychology; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Autistic children; Behavior; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Case Studies; Child and School Psychology; Cluster Grouping; Counseling psychology; Daily Living Skills; Definitions; Developmental disabilities; Employment; Employment - psychology; Executive Function; Family; Female; Health aspects; Health status; Humans; Independent Living; Independent Living - psychology; Independent Living - trends; Individual Characteristics; Intellectual disabilities; Intervention; Latent class analysis; Living skills; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental disorders; Mental Health; Mental Health - trends; Middle Aged; Neighborhoods; Neurosciences; Normalization (Disabilities); Original Paper; Parent Child Relationship; Patient outcomes; Pediatrics; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Physical Health; Predictor Variables; Psychology; Public Health; Quality of Life; Quality of Life - psychology; Teenagers
• ISSN: 0162-3257; 1573-3432
• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2816-3

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 (2) identifying predictors of positive normative outcomes and good objective QoL. Findings of an exploratory latent class analysis identified three groups of adults with ASD–Greater Dependence, Good Physical and Mental Health, and Greater Independence. Findings indicate that better daily living skills, better executive function, and more maternal warmth are associated with assignment to better outcome groups. Findings have implications for interventions designed to enhance achievement of normative outcomes and objective QoL.