To learn about the lives of young adults with ASD, families with children born 1974–1984, diagnosed as preschoolers and followed
into adolescence were contacted by mail. Of 76 eligible, 48 (63%) participated in a telephone interview. Global outcome scores
were assigned based on work, friendships and independence. At mean age 24, half had good to fair outcome and 46% poor. Co-morbid
conditions, obesity and medication use were common. Families noted unmet needs particularly in social areas. Multilinear regression
indicated a combination of IQ and CARS score at age 11 predicted outcome. Earlier studies reported more adults with ASD who
had poor to very poor outcomes, however current young people had more opportunities, and thus better results were expected.
Keywords Autism outcomes - Young adults with autism