EXPLORING FACTORS THAT IMPACT QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to (a) explore factors that may impact the quality of life for adults with ASD, and (b) based on those results, offer recommendations for interventions designed to improve the quality of life for ASD individuals. In order to develop appropriate support services and interventions for adults with autism, we must first understand how these factors, and potentially others, impact their quality of life. The results of this study indicate that, as predicted, living status, level of education, job satisfaction, and perceived social support significantly predicted quality of life for individuals with autism. Of note is the significant impact of job satisfaction and perceived social support. This finding has important implications for the development of intervention services aimed at improving quality of life for adults with autism.