Can autistic children grow up to have normal lives?

In severe cases, an autistic child may never learn to speak or make eye contact. But many children with autism and other autism spectrum disorders are able to live relatively normal lives.

Can you grow out of an autism diagnosis?

Summary: Research in the past several years has shown that children can outgrow a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), once considered a lifelong condition. In a new study, researchers have found that the vast majority of such children still have difficulties that require therapeutic and educational support.

What happens to adults with autism?

Adults with autism commonly have a range of challenges with regard to neuropsychological functions, including difficulties with social cognition, memory, executive functioning, and motor coordination, which can impact their ability to navigate the complexities of adult independence 4.

What percent of autistic adults can live independently?

Young adults with autism are more likely to live with their parents and least likely to live independently after leaving high school as compared to those with other types of disabilities, researchers say. Only about 17 percent of young adults on the spectrum ages 21 to 25 have ever lived independently.

What is the average life expectancy for a person with autism?

One of the most important investigations of recent years revealed that average life expectancy of a person with severe autism is 39.5 years, rising to only 58 years for those with high-functioning autism, or Asperger syndrome.

What happens to autistic adults?

But emerging research suggests that autistic adults are at high risk of a broad array of physical and mental health conditions, including diabetes, depression and heart disease. They are also about 2.5 times as likely as their neurotypical peers to die early.

What does adult life look like for people with autism?

Adult life with autism looks different for everyone. Your child’s challenges may seem limiting now and end up being so, in some ways, in the future. However, there are some people on the spectrum who are fully employed and happily partnered.

Do mild forms of autism fare better in life?

Contrary to popular assumption, people diagnosed with so-called mild forms of autism don’t fare any better in life than those with severe forms of the disorder.

Are young adults on the autism spectrum worse off?

For example, a study published earlier this year found that in the U.S., young adults on the spectrum who do not have an intellectual disability are in some ways worse off than those who do, as there are fewer programs to support their needs. They are at least three times more likely to have no structured daytime activities, for example 4.

How can I Help my Child with autism live a normal life?

Encouraging your child to volunteer in the community or stay socially connected to others with autism can also help set the foundation for a positive support system in the future. Adult life with autism looks different for everyone.