Autism-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Is There a Hidden Population of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Scott Spreat

Adaptive behavior measures were used to differentiate children who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder versus intellectual disability. The prediction formula derived from this analysis was then applied to a sample of 3028 adults who were being served within a statewide intellectual disabilities system. Application of the prediction equation suggested that as many as 1119 of the adults with intellectual disability presented adaptive behavior patterns similar to the children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Only 126 of the 3028 adults had actually been classified with autism, suggesting the possibility of a hidden cluster of adults with autism spectrum disorder.