To examine the quality of life (QoL) of autistic adults with lower support needs (Level 1 ASD) and identify challenges and gaps in current assessment tools.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Significant challenges in emotional regulation, social interaction, and community participation impact QoL, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Current QoL assessment tools lack validity and sensitivity for autistic adults with lower support needs.
Intersectional factors such as gender identity and cultural background significantly influence QoL and access to resources.
Late diagnosis restricts access to support and affects identity and perceived QoL, particularly for women and individuals with diverse gender identities.
Employment instability and mental health issues are key predictors of lower QoL.
Interpretation:
A comprehensive understanding of QoL in autistic adults requires addressing contextual and intersectional factors, as well as improving assessment tools to capture their unique experiences, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Limitations:
Underrepresentation of autistic adults with lower support needs, particularly women and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, in research.
Existing QoL instruments fail to adequately reflect the experiences of diverse autistic populations, including those with different gender identities.
Conclusion:
There is an urgent need for inclusive and sensitive QoL assessment models that consider the unique challenges faced by autistic adults, particularly those with lower support needs.
