Asperger syndrome in males over two decades: Quality of life in relation to diagnostic stability and psychiatric comorbidity

This study examined objective quality of life (work, academic success, living situation, relationships, support system) and subjective quality of life (Sense of Coherence and Short-Form Health Survey-36) in an adult sample of males (n = 50, mean age: 30 years) with Asperger syndromediagnosed in childhood and followed prospectively over two decades. The association between long-term diagnostic stability of an autism spectrum disorderand/or comorbid psychiatric disorders with quality of life was also examined. The results showed great variability as regards quality of life. The subsample that no longer fulfilled an autism spectrum disorderhad full-timejobs or studies (10/11), independent living(100%), and reported having two or more friends (100%). In the stable autism spectrum disordergroup, 41% had full-timejob or studies, 51% lived independently, and 33% reported two or more friends, and a significant minority had specialized employments, lived with support from the government, or had no friends. ...