Quality of Life in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Quality of life (QoL) in autism spectrum disorder encompasses multiple domains including physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships and environmental context. Individuals on the spectrum often report lower QoL than neurotypical peers, with marked variability according to age, co-occurring mental health conditions and access to support. Research has broadened from a symptom-focused approach to consider positive psychology constructs such as engagement and meaning, as well as social determinants like socioeconomic status and living environment. Across the lifespan, adaptive functioning, mental health symptoms and person–environment fit emerge as key influences on life satisfaction. Longitudinal work emphasises that adolescence internalising difficulties and the timing of diagnosis can mediate adult outcomes. Interventions that bolster adaptive skills, reduce comorbid distress and foster inclusive social contexts have demonstrated potential to improve overall well-being. Global studies further underscore cultural and health-system factors, advocating for personalised support pathways and co-production of research with autistic individuals.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent investigations using large cohort data and advanced statistical modelling have elucidated predictors of health-related QoL in neurodiverse children and adolescents. One structural equation analysis of over 600 youths revealed that greater co-occurring emotional and behavioural symptoms and older age were linked to lower QoL scores, whereas higher socioeconomic status was associated with fewer symptoms and better daily functioning. These findings highlight the interplay of demographic and clinical factors in shaping well-being and underscore the need for longitudinal designs to capture developmental trajectories.

Quality of Life in Autism Spectrum Disorder publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in quality of life in autism spectrum disorder across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Quality of Life (QoL): A multidimensional concept reflecting physical health, psychological state, social relationships and environmental context.

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL): QoL measures specifically linked to health status and functional capacity.

Structural Equation Model: A statistical technique that assesses complex relationships among observed and latent variables.

Adaptive Functioning: The ability to manage daily living skills and social demands.

Internalising Problems: Emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression that are directed inward.

References

1. Self-Report Measurement of Well-Being in Autistic Adults: Psychometric Properties of the PERMA Profiler. Autism in Adulthood (2023).
2. Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Neurodivergent Children: A Systematic Review. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review (2023).
3. Predictors of health-related quality of life for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Scientific Reports (2024).
4. Adolescence internalizing problems as a mediator between autism diagnosis in childhood and quality of life in emerging adults with and without autism: a 10-year longitudinal study. BMC Psychiatry (2023).
5. Re-examining the association between the age of learning one is autistic and adult outcomes. Autism (2023).