Population-based data shows that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could affect educational attainment and employment in individuals; however, information available on this topic is limited. The objective of this study is to assess the educational attainment and employment among individuals with or without ASD before age 12 years.
This nationwide cross-sectional prevalence study included a total of 810 individuals with a diagnosis of ASD and 8100 individuals without ASD. The exposure in this study was ASD and diagnostic subtype recorded before the age of 12 years. The primary outcome of this study was the adjusted prevalence ratios for the completion of compulsory primary and lower secondary school, upper secondary school, tertiary school, and employment.
The prevalence of ninth-grade completion was similar among individuals with or without ASD. Individuals with ASD had a lower ninth-grade score (48.6%) than those without ASD (91.6%). When compared with those without ASD, individuals with AD had a lower prevalence of completing upper-secondary and tertiary education. Additionally, individuals with ASD had a lower incidence of not attaining employment at 25 years of age.
The findings suggested that individuals with a diagnosis of ASD before 12 years of age were less likely to complete upper-secondary and tertiary education and obtain employment.
Ref: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2778225?resultClick=1
