Developmental outcomes in adolescence of children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: A systematic review of prospective studies

Rocio Rosello; Jose Martinez-Raga; Alvaro Mira; Braulio Girela; Samuele Cortese

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.010

Developmental outcomes in adolescence of children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: A systematic review of prospective studies

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jul:126:590-603. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.010. Epub 2021 Apr 16.

Authors

Rocio Rosello¹, Jose Martinez-Raga², Alvaro Mira³, Braulio Girela⁴, Samuele Cortese⁵

Affiliations

¹ Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, UK. Electronic address: r.rosello-miranda@imperial.ac.uk.
² Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Doctor Peset of Valencia & University of Valencia, Spain.
³ Division of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Spain.
⁴ Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, UK.
⁵ Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CIMH), School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York City, New York, USA; Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

PMID: 33872683
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.010

Abstract

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability (ID) represent approximately two-thirds of the ASD population. Here we focused on prospective research assessing different areas of functioning of children with ASD, without ID, until adolescence. Based on a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42020189029), a systematic review of prospective studies (published between 01.01.2010 and 01.01.2020) was conducted. Twenty-eight studies met eligibility criteria. Findings indicated that ASD diagnosis and the Intelligence Quotient were highly stable over time across studies. Executive Functioning, Theory of Mind and Central Coherence processes tended to improve, although deficits remained when compared to typically developed controls. Adaptive difficulties and psychiatric comorbidity were relatively stable over time. We discuss potential implications of the findings for clinicians and educators and suggest recommendations for future research.

Keywords: Adolescence; Autism; Executive functions; Longitudinal; Outcomes; Social skills; Theory of mind.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Autism Spectrum Disorder* / complications
Autism Spectrum Disorder* / epidemiology
Child
Comorbidity
Executive Function
Humans
Intellectual Disability* / complications
Intellectual Disability* / epidemiology
Prospective Studies