Brief report: Social relationships among autistic young adults with varying cognitive abilities

Autism is characterized by social difficulties, yet many autistic people value and desire social relationships. Given the limited research on autism in adulthood, particularly among those with lower cognitive ability, this study aimed 1) to compare self- vs informant-report of social relationships (acquaintances, friendships, and interpersonal difficulties) and 2) to compare social relationships, between more cognitively able (MCA) and less cognitively able (LCA) autistic young adults. Participants included 101 autistic young adults (M age =25.90; SD=1.41; 82.0 % male; 79.8 % White) and their informants. Participants were interviewed, and the Interpersonal Difficulties and Social Relationships sections of the Social and Emotional Functioning Interview (SEF) were analyzed. Participants were classified as MCA (IQ≥70) or LCA (IQ<70). For the MCA sample, informant and self-report SEF scores were all positively correlated and did not have significantly different median values. Weaker and non-significant associations emerged for social contexts outside of the home (e.g., at work) and more abstract concepts (e.g., quality of relationships). Although cognitive ability impacted the extreme SEF scores (e.g., having self-initiated reciprocal friendships), many social difficulties were shared by LCA and MCA young adults, according to informant reports. This study is one of few on social relationships and autism to focus on adulthood and include LCA young adults. Results indicate that informant-report provides useful information on more concrete aspects of social relationships in this population. Many autistic young adults, and LCA young adults in particular, may benefit from additional social supports, yet it is also essential to collaboratively consider what types of social experiences and relationships are desired and feasible for each person. More research and intervention tailored to LCA autistic young adults are needed. • Informant and self-report of social experiences tended to be positively correlated. • Similar proportions of MCA and LCA autistic young adults had mild social challenges. • LCA participants experienced more extreme social challenges compared to MCA adults. • LCA autistic young adults (∼25 years) may benefit from tailored social supports.