High Early Parental Expectations Predict Improved Independent Living and Quality of Life for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2016)

Undergraduates: Elizabeth Schroeder, Patrick S. Powell Elena Lamarche, Mark R. Klinger & Laura G. Klinger

Faculty Advisor: Mark Klinger
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

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This study examined how early parental expectations relate to long-term outcomes in adults with autism spectrum disorder. As part of a longitudinal follow-up study of families seen by the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program between 1965 and 1999, 52 archival records of childhood parental estimates of current adaptive functioning and future adult outcome were obtained. Future estimates of adult outcome included expectations regarding living situation (e.g., group home, home, or independent), education level, and relationships (e.g., never date, date but not marry, married, married with children). These predictions were combined to produce an overall estimate of parental expectations, which was compared to measures of adaptive behavior (Waisman Activities of Daily Living) and quality of life in the same children 20 to 40 years later. It was predicted that higher parental expectations in childhood would relate to better outcomes in middle adulthood, regardless of childhood functioning level. Parental outcome expectations during childhood significantly predicted both adult adaptive behavior (R2change=.07; Fchange=4.57, p=.04) and quality of life (R2change=.10; Fchange=7.02, p=.01). Taken together, these results suggest that parents should be encouraged to hold high expectations for their young children with ASD.