A study of activities of daily living and employment in adults with autism spectrum disorders in Taiwan

Research on daily living activities and employment levels of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Taiwan is limited. The aims of the study were to investigate outcomes related to functional independence and employment among people with ASD in Taiwan. We investigated the daily living activities and the employment status of 81 adults (age range, 18-48 years; mean age, 22.8 years) with ASD in southern Taiwan. Most (85.2%) participants with ASD were men, and all lived with their caregivers or guardians. Primary caregivers or guardians completed a self-administered, written questionnaire. More than three-quarters (80.2%) of the participants with ASD could independently take care of themselves. Instrumental activities of daily living they most frequently engaged in included walking outside for more than 15 min (88.9%), light housework (85.2%), and local shopping (80.2%). Only 11 (13.6%) of the participants with ASD were employed [five (6.2%) worked more than 20 h/week] and four (4.9%) were attending school. Types of occupation consisted of serving food and beverages, baking, and cleaning. Most (81.5%) of the participants with ASD were unemployed, stayed at home, and were cared for by family members. The results of this study provide information to support the design of adequate interventions to meet the needs of adults with ASD, particularly those in Taiwan. It is important to develop adequate interventions to facilitate the functional independence of this population. Future research using larger study populations with a comparison group is needed.