Demographic and cognitive profile of individuals seeking a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adulthood

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Happé, Francesca G.E.; Mansour, Hassan; Barrett, Pippa; Brown, Tony; Abbott, Patricia and Charlton, Rebecca A. 2016. Demographic and cognitive profile of individuals seeking a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adulthood. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(11), pp. 3469-3480. ISSN 0162-3257 [Article]

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Official URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-01...

Abstract or Description

Little is known about ageing with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We examined the characteristics of adults referred to a specialist diagnostic centre for assessment of possible ASD, 100 of whom received an ASD diagnosis and 46 did not. Few demographic differences were noted between the groups. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were high in individuals with ASD (58%) and non-ASD (59%). Individuals who received an ASD diagnosis had higher self-rated severity of ASD traits than non-ASD individuals. Within the ASD group, older age was associated with higher ratings of ASD traits and better cognitive performance. One interpretation is that general cognitive ability and the development of coping strategies across the lifespan, do not necessarily reduce ASD traits but may mitigate their effects.

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2886-2

Additional Information:

This work was supported by Goldsmiths University, Research and Enterprise Committee College Research Fund (PI, Charlton).

Keywords:

Adulthood, Ageing, Autism spectrum disorders, Autism traits, Diagnosis, Psychiatric comorbidity

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Psychology

Dates: