Functional Outcome in Late Adolescence/ Early Adulthood of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Relationships With Parental Burnout and Depression: Multi-center, Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine functioning of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) diagnosed in childhood and also depression and burnout levels among their parents. 261 adults with ASDs and their parents were recruited for the study. Both parents completed the Beck Depression and Maslach Burnout Inventories and reported the functioning of their adult offspring with ASDs. Only 5.4 % of our sample reported “good” or “very good” outcome. The most common psychiatric comorbidities were intellectual disabilities and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. Maternal burnout and depression scores were significantly elevated compared to those of fathers. There is an undeniable urgent need for more research to identify the needs of adults and families suffering from ASD.