The Relationship Between Autistic Traits and Quality of Life: Investigation of Indirect Effects Through Self-Determination.

Background: Self-determination, described broadly as experiencing causal agency, is positively associated with quality of life (QoL) and increases through satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: (feeling able to make choices free from pressure), (perceived self-efficacy), and (social connection). Both unsupportive environments and challenges with social interaction can interfere with satisfaction of psychological needs. Social challenges are a key trait for autism diagnosis, and unsupportive environments are also known to adversely affect QoL for autistic people.