Variables Involved in the Functioning of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction and objectives. Several studies indicate that adolescents and adults with ASD level 1 (ASD-1) have difficulties in their functioning despite not having a comorbid intellectual disability. For this reason, the objective of this review was to analyse factors that significantly influence adults with ASD-1 functioning. The search terms Asperger's, "high-functioning autism", adapt*, "daily function*" and synonyms were used in 14 databases. A total of 44 articles were finally included in this review. Results and conclusions. Multiple factors are involved in the functioning of adults with ASD-1, such as the implementation of transition to adulthood programs, executive functions impairment, level of affectation in symptomatology and mental health, along with socio-environmental factors. The few studies that have been carried out on this last factor mention that families and professionals play an important role in the functioning of adults with ASD-1. Therefore, on its own, IQ is not a consistent predictor of functioning. As an important conclusion, studies that measure functioning holistically are required.

Alternate abstract:

Introducción y objetivos. Diversos estudios indican que los adolescentes y adultos con TEA nivel 1 (TEA-1) tienen dificultades en su funcionamiento a pesar de no tener una discapacidad intelectual comórbida. El objetivo de esta revisión fue analizar los factores que influyen significativamente en el funcionamiento de adultos con TEA-1. Se utilizaron los términos de búsqueda Asperger's, "high-functioning autism", adapt*, "daily function*" y sinónimos en 14 bases de datos. Finalmente se incluyeron en esta revisión un total de 44 artículos. Resultados y conclusiones. Múltiples factores están involucrados en el funcionamiento de los adultos con TEA-1, como la implementación de programas de transición a la vida adulta, el deterioro de las funciones ejecutivas, el nivel de afectación en la sintomatología y la salud mental, junto con factores socioambientales. Los pocos estudios que se han realizado sobre este último factor mencionan que las familias y los profesionales juegan un papel importante en el funcionamiento de los adultos con TEA-1. Por lo tanto, por sí solo, el cociente intelectual no es un predictor consistente del funcionamiento. Como conclusión importante, se requieren estudios que midan el funcionamiento de manera integral.

Alternate abstract:

Introduction and objectives. Several studies indicate that adolescents and adults with ASD level 1 (ASD-1) have difficulties in their functioning despite not having a comorbid intellectual disability. For this reason, the objective of this review was to analyse factors that significantly influence adults with ASD-1 functioning. The search terms Asperger’s, “high-functioning autism”, adapt*, “daily function*” and synonyms were used in 14 databases. A total of 44 articles were finally included in this review. Results and conclusions. Multiple factors are involved in the functioning of adults with ASD-1, such as the implementation of transition to adulthood programs, executive functions impairment, level of affectation in symptomatology and mental health, along with socio-environmental factors. The few studies that have been carried out on this last factor mention that families and professionals play an important role in the functioning of adults with ASD-1. Therefore, on its own, IQ is not a consistent predictor of functioning. As an important conclusion, studies that measure functioning holistically are required.

Alternate abstract:

Introduction and objectives. Several studies indicate that adolescents and adults with ASD level 1 (ASD-1) have difficulties in their functioning despite not having a comorbid intellectual disability. For this reason, the objective of this review was to analyse factors that significantly influence adults with ASD-1 functioning. The search terms Asperger’s, “high-functioning autism”, adapt*, “daily function*” and synonyms were used in 14 databases. A total of 44 articles were finally included in this review. Results and conclusions. Multiple factors are involved in the functioning of adults with ASD-1, such as the implementation of transition to adulthood programs, executive functions impairment, level of affectation in symptomatology and mental health, along with socio-environmental factors. The few studies that have been carried out on this last factor mention that families and professionals play an important role in the functioning of adults with ASD-1. Therefore, on its own, IQ is not a consistent predictor of functioning. As an important conclusion, studies that measure functioning holistically are required.

Alternate abstract:

Introduction and objectives. Several studies indicate that adolescents and adults with ASD level 1 (ASD-1) have difficulties in their functioning despite not having a comorbid intellectual disability. For this reason, the objective of this review was to analyse factors that significantly influence adults with ASD-1 functioning. The search terms Asperger’s, “high-functioning autism”, adapt*, “daily function*” and synonyms were used in 14 databases. A total of 44 articles were finally included in this review. Results and conclusions. Multiple factors are involved in the functioning of adults with ASD-1, such as the implementation of transition to adulthood programs, executive functions impairment, level of affectation in symptomatology and mental health, along with socio-environmental factors. The few studies that have been carried out on this last factor mention that families and professionals play an important role in the functioning of adults with ASD-1. Therefore, on its own, IQ is not a consistent predictor of functioning. As an important conclusion, studies that measure functioning holistically are required.