Prognosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD follows a variable evolution but the majority of people with ASD continue to need help and support throughout adulthood. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence to suggest that a minority of people with autism improve to the point that they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD. The contributing factors behind this “optimum outcome” are still poorly understood, some of them are associated with the fact of having developed the language during infancy and the absence of any associated intellectual disabilities; absence of other associated psychiatric disorders and receiving appropriate treatment for ASD symptoms.

Even so, people with ASD can often present greater difficulties that coincide with periods of stress, important changes or specific developmental stages, e.g., adolescence. This is why they usually need to receive psychological support continuously throughout their lives, although the intensity of this support may vary over time.

With this support and appropriate interventions many people with ASD, particularly those at the high-functioning end of the spectrum, can develop self-reliant, independent lifestyles and significant interpersonal relationships.