Friendships and Social Activities In Individuals with ASD In Adulthood: Trajectories, Predictors, and Implications

Little is known about how friendships and social activities unfold over the life course in individuals with ASD; yet it is well-established that in the general population these domains differ substantially from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. This presentation will build on quantitative and qualitative data collected during a 12-year longitudinal study of adolescents and adults with ASD to chart trajectories in (a) friendships, (b) participation in social activities, and (c) social skills. We will report data provided by the mother as well as self-report data from the individual with ASD.  In addition, we will examine how characteristics of the individual, family, and living environment predict social profiles, and further how social profiles are associated with adult outcomes.