High Early Parental Expectations Predict Improved Independent Living and Quality of Life for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The present study examined how early parental expectations of children with ASD related to long-term adult outcomes in these same children 20-40 years later. As part of a longitudinal follow-up study (LOST) of families seen by the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program between 1965 and 1999, 80 archival records of parental estimates of childhood adaptive functioning and future adult outcome were obtained. Future estimates of adult outcome included expectations regarding living situation, education level, and relationship status. These predictions were combined to produce an overall estimate of parental expectations, which was compared to parental ratings of adaptive behavior (Waisman Activities of Daily Living), quality of life, and ASD symptomatology (Social Responsiveness Scale) in these same children, now middle-aged adults. Results showed that parental outcome expectations during childhood significantly predicted later adult adaptive behavior, adult quality of life and current autism symptomatology. Taken together, these findings suggest that higher parental expectations during childhood lead to higher levels of adaptive behavior and quality of life in adulthood, as well as less severe ASD symptomatology.