The long-term outcomes of a cohort of adolescents and adults from Greece with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Although it is a lifelong condition, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. Research on the outcomes in adolescence and adult life and on the associated factors is limited. The objective of the present study is to examine the outcomes as well as the contributing factors in adolescents and adults diagnosed with ASD in Greece. METHOD: Participants included 69 parents of individuals diagnosed with ASD in their childhood. Interviews were conducted with the parents, and archived medical and psychological records were collected. Participants had been diagnosed in the Child and Adolescent Unit of the 3d Psychiatric Clinic of the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece between 1990 and 2007. RESULTS: The overall outcome was poor in most of cases (22.6% “very poor” and 24.5% “poor”); however, a substantial number had “good” (18.9%) or “very good” (22.6%) outcomes. Severity of initial diagnosis (χ(2) = 65.956, DF = 8, p < 0.001), presence of comorbid disorders in childhood (χ(2) = 14,085, DF = 4, p < 0.007), current comorbidity (χ(2) = 15.834, DF = 4, p = 0.003), and certain developmental milestones [early acquisition of language skills (χ(2) = 16.991, DF = 8, p = 0.030)] were positively correlated with adult outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall outcomes in the Greek sample were consistent with international studies. It seems that important contributing factors are comorbidity and especially overall lower cognitive function (intellectual disability), but further research is needed as well as enhanced adult-oriented research and intervention programs.