Quality of Life Indicators

Quality of Life Indicators to Consider in Judging Outcomes for People with Autism

Participate in activities with family members or close friends (e.g., travel, eat out, shop, favorite games or activities, church, dinners).

Included in family/close friends’ events and passages (e.g., holiday gatherings, weddings, funerals, births, birthday celebrations, illnesses and accidents).

Contact with family members and friends as frequently as desired (e.g., make and receive phone calls, write and receive letters, send and receive cards , visits, invitations.)

Active and comfortable in familiar community:
* Ride transportation, walk, ride with family or friend, ride bike;
* Shop for groceries, clothes, gifts, cards, crafts, needed equipment, personal items;
* Choose movies, videos, places to eat out, ordering in;
* Go to special events: sports, circus, shows, concerts;
* Participate in the YMCA, bike club, or other interest or philanthropic clubs.

Work at a valued job to earn money:
* Like job and feel good about doing it;
* Supported by people on the job;
* Can do job competently;
* Know performance is good.

Learn about the world through successful experiences with supportive people:
* Opportunity to try new activity;
* Opportunity to meet new challenges;
* Opportunity to meet new people.

Opinions and choices are considered valid and important.

Take responsibility for personal and home chores to the greatest extent possible and take pride in doing this through recognition and contributing to the family:
* Bathe, wash hair, shave, style hair, and get hair cut;
* Cook, clean, take care of clothes, pick up after self;
* Health and wellness - nutrition, weight, medication.

Has own special possessions and personal space to keep as desired and has time and space to be alone when desired.

Makes choices about purchases and manages own money to the greatest extent possible.

Receives enough information to make valid choices and not have to refuse them because of lack or information, lack of experience, or lack of support.