Quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorder is the same as for all people, although adults with classic autism—many who do not have functional communication skills—have specific needs that must be met to ensure quality of life. The needs should be centered on the characteristics of autism: ranging from structure and predictability, functional communication supports, and social-emotional regulation, to sensory integration, learning style and appropriate autism specific-evidence based training to providers.
People with Classic Autism have higher Quality of Life associated with:
- Community employment, paid or unpaid
- Skill- and interest-based supports that reduce marked behavior problems
- Leisure activities in community
- Community access based on interests
- Functional communication support and skills
- Independence and autonomy
- Making own decisions
- Opportunities available from which decisions can be made
- ASD practical support from paid and unpaid people
- Having emotional support from paid and unpaid people