From the Research
The percentage of people on the autism spectrum with limited functional abilities is approximately 30-40%. This includes individuals who may require substantial or very substantial support (corresponding to Level 2 and Level 3 autism in the DSM-5 classification system) 1. These individuals often experience significant challenges with communication, may be nonverbal or have minimal verbal skills, and typically require assistance with daily living activities.
Key Points
- The severity of functional limitations varies widely among this population, with some requiring 24-hour support while others may achieve semi-independent living with appropriate supports.
- It's essential to understand that functional limitations exist on a continuum, and an individual's abilities may vary across different domains such as communication, self-care, and social interaction.
- Early intervention services, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized educational programs, can significantly improve functional outcomes for many individuals 2.
- Additionally, assistive technologies, alternative communication systems, and environmental modifications can help maximize independence and quality of life for those with more limited functional abilities.
Considerations
- The estimated prevalence of ASD has been increasing, which is likely associated with changes in diagnostic criteria, improved performance of screening and diagnostic tools, and increased public awareness 1.
- Individuals with ASD have higher rates of depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and epilepsy compared to those without ASD 1.
- Pharmacotherapy is indicated for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as emotion dysregulation or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and medications like risperidone and aripiprazole can improve irritability and aggression 3, 4.