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Factors Affecting Outcomes

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  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Definition

The outcome for individuals with autism is very variable and depends not only on the characteristics of the individual but on many family and environmental factors and external support systems. Childhood factors that are associated with later outcome include early language development, IQ, severity of autism symptoms, and access to appropriate autism-specific intervention. In adolescence and adulthood, the onset of comorbid mental health problems and the lack of adequate support and interventions are associated with poorer outcomes.

Historical Background

It has been evident since the very earliest follow-up studies of Eisenberg (1956), Rutter et al. (1967), Kanner (1973), and others that outcome in autism is highly variable. Many individuals remain highly dependent on support throughout their lives; others are able to live independently and some go on to make significant achievements. Both Asperger (1944) and Kanner (1971) were struck by the wide heterogeneity in outcome...

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References and Reading

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King’s College, London, UK

    Patricia Howlin & Sarah Savage

Authors
  1. Patricia Howlin
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  2. Sarah Savage
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Patricia Howlin .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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Howlin, P., Savage, S. (2018). Factors Affecting Outcomes. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_446-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_446-3

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

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