Asperger syndrome and autism: a comparative longitudinal follow-up study more than 5 years after original diagnosis.

Mats and colleagues tracked two groups of adults who had been diagnosed as children. One group had Asperger syndrome. The other group had classic autism.

They looked at jobs, friendships, and daily living skills more than five years after the first diagnosis. They wanted to see if the Asperger group fared better in adult life.

Adults with Asperger syndrome did better overall, yet one in four still had no job and no friends. Most had normal or high IQ scores.

The classic autism group had even fewer positive outcomes. Both groups needed more support than their IQ alone suggested.

Forbes et al. (2023) looked at young UK autistic adults and also found very low rates of independent living and paid work. Their data extend the 2008 study by showing the problem is not fading with time.

Harvery et al. (2021) studied autistic workers in Australia. They found that proper workplace supports improved job fit. This points to a practical fix for the bleak vocational picture Mats flagged.

Lorenc et al. (2018) reviewed social-skills and employment programs for verbally fluent adults. They showed small gains in job skills but little change in mental health. Together these papers say: we can teach skills, yet long-term support is still missing.

High IQ does not guard your clients from poor adult outcomes. Start vocational and social planning early. Build workplace accommodations into transition goals. Track progress yearly and keep supports in place even when the client seems “smart enough” to manage alone.