THE OUTCOME IN CHILDREN WITH CHILDHOOD AUTISM AND ASPERGER-SYNDROME ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED AS PSYCHOTIC - A 30-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF SUBJECTS HOSPITALIZED AS CHILDREN

This follow-up study reports data on 18 children fulfilling the ICD-IO criteria for childhood autism (n=9) and Asperger syndrome (n=9). In c onnection with the present study the original child psychiatric record s were reassessed according to the ICD-IO criteria. The children were followed over a period of 30 years. The mean age at the time of study was 38 years. The results show that in adulthood the autistic patients had a poorer outcome than children with Asperger syndrome as regards education, employment, autonomy, marriage, reproduction and the need f or continuing medical and institutional care. Particular attention is given to pharmacotherapy and the relationship between the childhood di sorder and psychiatric morbidity in adult life.