Quality of Life in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

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Quality of Life (QoL) refers to the individual’s perception of their position in life, in the context of their culture and in relation to their goals, expectations, norms, and concerns, and is indicative of the well-being of each individual in the different areas of their life. This variable has been the focus of interest of numerous investigations focused on populations with disabilities, even adapting QoL models to specific populations, such as people with intellectual disabilities. In the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this variable has been addressed by different studies, all agreeing that QoL in adults with ASD is lower than that reflected for the general population in the spectrum as a whole, particularly in those who also present intellectual disabilities (ID). However, much of this research uses QoL assessment measures that do not take into account the characteristics of this impairment, in addition to reaching conclusions that generalize to this population and that obviate the particularities that define ASD, for example, in relation to socialization and leisure time. What may be considered indicative of QoL for the neurotypical population is not necessarily so for people with ASD. Throughout this chapter, we reflect on this issue, which leads us to the conclusion that it is necessary to reconceptualize this term when talking about ASD and adapt it to this population and its characteristics.