A small percentage of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may go on to lose core symptoms of the diagnosis and achieve “optimal outcomes.” Helt et al. (2008) defined an individual with an optimal outcome as having a history of an ASD diagnosis, demonstrating average or above average academic and adaptive functioning, receiving minimal special education supports specific to autism symptoms, and not meeting criteria for a diagnosis of ASD diagnosis as determined by administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
It should be noted that losing an ASD diagnosis is not the only good outcome that can be achieved. Finding strengths in individual children with ASD that give them satisfaction and can be nurtured, maximizing their ability to communicate and have relationships with others, and successfully treating comorbid sources of distress (e.g., anxiety, depression) are other criteria for good outcomes. In fact, comorbid conditions such as anxiety and...
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Tyson, K., Fein, D. (2020). Optimal Outcome. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_2023-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_2023-4
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Optimal Outcome- Published:
- 18 June 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_2023-4
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Optimal Outcome- Published:
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_2023-3