Outcome research in Asperger syndrome and autism.

This article presents findings from the outcome literature on autism, Asperger syndrome (AS), and related disorders. The discussion of outcome principally focuses on life adaptation, but also considers outcome in AS in relationship to other diagnostic groups and across time. The current research in this area is neither substantial nor systematic. Thus, in this examination of the literature, the goal is to highlight salient findings, but also to put forward questions that might direct meaningful research in this area for the future and to consider implications for treatment.