[Kanner autism. Course of the disorder in the 2nd and 3rd decade in 18 patients with special reference to social adjustment. Results of a qualitative retrospective study].

The development of Kanner autism in 18 patients (mean age 28 years) in their second and third decade was explored and recorded with respect to factors affecting social competence in adulthood. To validate the diagnoses, we used the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). A version of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) was employed to assess social adaptation. On average, the individuals showed socially adaptive skills typical for healthy children at the age of 4 years and 3 months. Seventy-two percent of the autistic persons showed a characteristic pattern: they scored highest in daily living skills and lowest in social skills, especially in interpersonal relationships, where they performed at an average age equivalent of only 2 years and 7 months! Correlation analysis was conducted between developmental factors due to the disorder on the one hand and socially adaptive skills on the other. It showed, among other results, that positive developmental tendencies during adolescence are related to better social adaptation in adulthood ( r=0.57).