Current functioning of young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in childhood and depression and burnout among their parents in Türkiye

We aimed to evaluate the current functioning of young Turkish adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosed in childhood and determine parental depression and burnout levels. Factors associated with current functioning and parental depression were also evaluated. This study was conducted at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of 61 cities in Turkey. Young adults with ASD and their parents were enrolled. 1500 participants (81.5%, n = 1222 males) with a median age of 21.0 (IQR = 4.0) years were included in the present study. Most participants were high school graduates, and only 1 in 10 was able to work for some time at a job. 8.3%could travel alone between cities, 3.7% had experience of romantic relationships, and only sixty-one of them were able to obtain a driving license and use motor vehicles. The mean depression and overall burnout scores of mothers were significantly higher than those of fathers. Young adults with ASD and their parents may experience elevated stress during the transition to adult services. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further studies to identify these needs.