Quality of Life in Autistic Youth: Examining Predictors of Subjective Wellbeing and Relationship Quality During the Transition to Adulthood Open Access

Abstract

The transition to adulthood is a critical stage for shaping long-term outcomes; however, autistic youth often encounter barriers that complicate this shift toward independence. Without proper planning and intervention, challenges during the transition to adulthood can have a lasting impact on long-term outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for research-informed strategies to improve the quality of life (QOL) for transition-aged autistic youth. The present study examined factors associated with QOL indicators among transition-aged autistic youth. Predictors of youth subjective wellbeing, family relationship quality, and peer relationship quality were evaluated using baseline parent-proxy report data from a larger clinical trial of a transition-to-adulthood support program (N = 52). Results indicate that higher parent reports of depression and anxiety (indicating lower parental wellbeing) were associated with lower youth subjective wellbeing and poorer family relationship quality. Greater independence in activities of daily living was associated with higher youth subjective wellbeing. A higher number of co-occurring mental health diagnoses predicted both lower youth subjective wellbeing and poorer family relationship quality. Additional analysis examined differences between youth who did (n = 25) and did not attempt self-report measures to assess potential participation biases. Higher proficiency in activities of daily living significantly increased the likelihood of attempting self-report measures. Comparisons between informants revealed that parents reported lower levels of youth subjective wellbeing than the youths self-reported, although no significant differences were observed for family or peer relationship quality. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of supporting youth independence, youth wellbeing, and parental wellbeing to promote positive QOL outcomes. Future research should prioritize inclusive methodologies to better capture the lived experiences of autistic youth. Family-centered interventions may offer a promising avenue for improving outcomes for both autistic youth and their families during the transition to adulthood. 

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

Introduction................1

Methods................9

Results................17

Discussion................21

Limitations................25

Future Directions................26

Conclusion................27

References................29

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Psychology
Subfield / Discipline	Clinical Science
Degree	M.A.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Psychology, Clinical
Keyword	Autism Transition to Adulthood Quality of Life Parental Wellbeing
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Patricia A. Brennan, Emory University Ami Klin, Emory University
Committee Members	Hanan Trotman, Emory University Brianna L. Yamasaki, Emory University

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