"What are some of the long term outcomes for people with Aspergers? I'd like to know what to expect when my Aspie becomes an adult and leaves the nest."
The long term outcomes for those with Aspergers and High Functioning Autism depends on the severity of their symptoms, their baseline IQ, their ability to communicate, and what kinds of interventions and support they receive. Those who come from supportive families, retain a reasonable sense of self-esteem, and become relatively well-educated, stand a good chance of getting into solid relationships, finding good jobs, and having a normal life.
In other cases, the Aspergers symptoms are severe enough to affect speech and interpersonal relationship, or the individual’s IQ is low enough to impair their ability to find a good job, leaving them with a low paying job or on disability.
Because some Aspergers individuals suffer from depression and OCD as adults, these secondary characteristics can negatively impact how the individual develops and grows into adulthood.
Several research studies have looked at outcomes in Aspergers. In one study, outcome was looked at in a cross section of people with the disorder. After a five year follow-up using specific outcome criteria, the outcome was found to be good in 27% of cases. However, in 26% of cases, the individual maintained a very restricted life, with no occupation/activity to occupy their time - and no friends.
Another study looked at outcomes in those with Aspergers to see which factors were more related to a poor or good outcome over time. It was found that language and communication skills were the greatest predictor of good outcome, with social interaction skills being a secondary predictor. The actual Aspergers symptoms (e.g., ritual behaviors and obsessions) were less likely predictors of outcome. The study indicated that early intervention directed at improving communication was a good idea.
Finally, researchers studied an eight year follow-up of a specialized job program for those with Aspergers to see if such a program helped improve job outcome. For those with Aspergers (IQ 60+) over an 8 year period, approximately 68 percent of clients found employment. Of the 192 jobs found, most of the jobs were permanent contract work, and most involved administrative, technical or computing work. The study indicated that programs like these can be helpful in improving career outcome in people with Aspergers.
4 comments:
my husband and grown children have aspergers,husband also has a.d.h.d.,but stayed in normal school,but failed exams due to poor concentration,his passion in life is transport and driving,so all his jobs involve this,he has neve3r been out of work and no depression,but still at 70 yrs old very manic and controlling,oldest daughter has a/s,a,d,h,d,plus serious mental health probs,has hi I Q but cant work,isolates herself,younger daughter very passive a/s with o,c,d,she works part time and raises her kids,so like every other family,it varies,but only ones who are happy are ones who made career out of thier obsession,
This is a great question. As a parent of a 21 year old can tell you they do grow up to be pretty amazing. He is able to do much more with continued support & coaching. This is an everyday topic of discussion amongst the parents & support program providers for young adults currently. We participated in a transitsion program specific to life skills & employment. This proved help significantly. Housing is now being a serious discussion as well between parents & providers. My hope is these initiatives will find the funding to support the young adult aspire community to foster greater independence. My son now drives, works part time & is motivated to be independent. However These supports I find to be necessary & ongoing.
Often I think that my personality would go over much better if I were rich. I don't do well with politics, I say what people are afraid to say, I don't get invited to social functions where deals and loyalties are made. I struggle daily with the interaction. I would never want my aspergers child to endure this for 20 plus years. Had I known I had aspergers, I would have stayed in a more technical field but even that would be hard because we aren't all innovators who can put thoughts to action. Most don't know how to turn the idea into steps. It's important that happiness and well being be the goal before "the ladder of success"....NASA engineer for 20 years.
Crystal ball anyone?I think the outcome depends on the imput .Simply stated in school some teachers get it some do not.Those who do get it deserve a crown those who do not get it miss a huge opportunity.The JOY is in the journey.
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