Can a person with autism spectrum disorder live an independent adult life? The simple answer to this question is yes, a person with autism spectrum disorder can live independently as an adult.
In the U.S., 66% of young adults in their 20s live independently,2 meaning outside of the parent's home and not in a supervised living situation such as a group home. Our own analysis of young adults with autism indicated that one in five of those with autism ever lived independently since leaving high school.
Although researchers have largely debunked the myth that autistic people tend not to be interested in romantic relationships, they have found that autistic people are more likely than neurotypical people to be single.
Many adults with autism live at home or with a friend or family member. When additional support is needed, in-home services may include a companion, homemaking/housekeeping, therapy and other health services, or personal care.
More than half will still live at home, and only 14% will be in a long-term relationship. About 33% of adults with autism will attend college, and about half will have some employment within 6 years of leaving high school. Many young adults with autism receive no services after leaving high school.
When ASD goes untreated, is misdiagnosed, or diagnosis is delayed, negative symptoms associated with the condition may worsen over time. Without adequate support, children may not develop competent skills with regards to learning, speech, or social interactions.
Autism doesn't get worse with age, but certain symptoms can become more pronounced and problematic as the child grows older and is more challenged.
Long-term research that involved following a group of individuals with autism for two decades indicates that the average life expectancy for some autistic people is about 39 years. Furthermore, this population generally succumbed to health complications about 20 years earlier than individuals who do not have autism.
Of the deaths in individuals with autism, 28 percent were attributed to injury, most often by suffocation, followed by asphyxiation, and drowning.
People with autism tend to have difficulties communicating their emotional needs, which can cause problems in close relationships. They may find it hard to communicate an initial interest in someone, express their needs within a relationship, or declare their love for someone else.
Because people with autism often have difficulty reading social cues, managing sensory needs, and expressing feelings, relationships that involve dating someone with autism spectrum disorder someone can be particularly challenging to navigate.
Autistic individuals may have problems communicating sexual needs which can cause issues in intimate relationships. They may seek to satisfy these needs on their own, rather than communicate them with their partner. In turn, this can result in hurt feelings.
A Word From Verywell. High-functioning autism can be challenging for people with autism and those in their lives. Therapies such as speech-language therapy and social skills training can help people with HFA function more easily and effectively in daily life.
Having an autistic partner
This can be difficult to deal with. Having an autistic partner may mean having to help them with social interaction, particularly around unwritten social rules. We want to stress that autistic people are just as capable of having loving and successful relationships as non-autistic people.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a shorter life expectancy than people in the general population, and a new study suggests that lifestyle issues play a large role in shortening their lifespans.
Another report compares the range of average life expectancy for autistic people from 39.5 years to 58 years, to the global average of 72 years.
Severe autism, diagnosed as level 3, causes debilitating symptoms. Someone with level 3 autism may be non-verbal and be unable to engage with people. Sensory stimuli may be overwhelming. Cognitive deficits are common.
Individuals with an ASD often experience old age differently than non-spectrum seniors. Despite gradual transitions, their realization of body changes may be very sudden.
Autism characteristics can change significantly from ages 3 to 11.
Sensory overload, changes in routine, social isolation, co-occurring conditions, and lack of support can all exacerbate the symptoms of autism. However, with early intervention, therapy, and support, individuals with autism can manage these challenges and improve their quality of life.
Autism is not an illness
It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It's something you're born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you're very young, or not until you're older.