Parent Perspectives on Outcomes and Satisfaction Levels of Young Adults With Autism and Cognitive Impairments

This study complements current research on quality of life for individuals with autism and cognitive impairments, by focusing less on objective measures (e.g., employment status, educational attainment, living arrangements) and more on subjective measures such as satisfaction levels. Twenty-three structured interviews were conducted with parents, and qualitative analysis of emergent themes is provided. In spite of limited independence on the part of young adults with autism spectrum disorders and cognitive impairments in terms of both home and community life, satisfaction levels were high across all domains and most parents ranked their children’s overall quality of life as “excellent” or “good.”