Autism is commonly regarded as a state of childhood, however it is way from true. Autism is a lifetime condition. And most autistic people are adult. Even then Less than 1 % of autism research Older autistic people focus.
This signifies that we all know little or no concerning the needs of autistic those who they grow up – and do they face unique health challenges with their age.
So to higher understand what existing evidence tells us about autism in mid -life and old age, a partner and I recently held a Review of the Statement More than 70 published papers from world wide.
Our results have revealed that autistic individuals are more more likely to have poor health consequences in medium life and old age than their non -autistic peers.
Our reviews came upon that The basic features of autism (Such as differences in communication, repeated behavior and dedicated interests) remain relatively stable in youth later – though individual experiments have some changes. For example, some autistic people find that they’ve senses Become more sensitive As they’re age, while others don’t get this matter.
This diagnosis of autism in life later, receiving this diagnosis often provides evidence of adjusting life-they are considered greater than understanding themselves and accepting themselves.
More difficulties of precision
Health issues are a serious concern for autistic people, with an enormous concern.
We have found that autistic individuals are more more likely to experience increasingly Physical and mental health conditions Compared to their non -autistic colleagues. This features a high risk of diagnosing heart problems, anxiety and depression and other age -related conditions reminiscent of osteoporosis and Parkinson's disease.
Our review also revealed that complicated health problems could also be more likely in autistic adults. For example, a study suggests that the diagnosis of autistic people is more more likely to Many mental health conditions.
For those living in mid -life, menopause is a difficult transfer. Many autistic people have reported more severe physical and psychological menopause symptoms than non -autistic people.
We also exposed the evidence that was found Life expectancy can be reduced Compared to non -autistic people in autistic adults. It is commonly related to epilepsy and such conditions High rates of suicide.
Many autistic people also encountered obstacles Accessing physical and mental health care and help – Often because services lack autism awareness. This helped further sick consequences.
A mixed picture for tutorial health
When talking about academic abilities in mid -life and old age, evidence was found.
Some autistic adults maintain strong academic skills in later life. But they strive with other memory and executive function (pondering and planning), that are essential academic skills in every day life.
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Although many autistic people will grow olderly as non -autistic people, there’s some evidence that autistic adults may face one. The higher risk of academic fall and dementia. However, more large -scale research is required to higher understand this.
The importance of social support
Studies permanently found that autistic adults report less quality life than non -autistic peers. Mental health problems play a big role within the low standards of life.
Here is a key think about social support. Our reviews revealed that the autistic adults who had Strong social networks Reported top quality of life – while Isolation and isolation The poor were related to fitness. The reason for this will be that many autistic adults are reported Less social contacts And experiencing more loneliness – especially male.
We also found that aspects play a significant role in obtaining their autism, managing their ability to diagnose autism, managing their ability and living in social conditions and maintaining sovereignty. To create a positive life quality As autistic people grow up.
Important concerns
When pondering of the results of this review, the present research must recognize the bounds.
Only a small section of autism research has actually investigated aging and autism. And the literature that has been published on this topic has focused on those that are young. It sees many autistic people. Those who diagnose autism in childhood and those that have mental disability or more help requirements are they Often excludes research.
Under diagnosis of autism is one other major problem. Although autism is affected About 1 % of the global populationRecords of Health at UK Show Very low rates of diagnosis In middle and old adults.
Estimates also suggest that 89 % of autistic individuals aged 40-59, and 97 % of individuals aged 60 or older, Can be diagnosed. This, partially, is brought on by autism Historically being viewed As a condition that only affected children. In addition, gender prejudice was common within the diagnosis of autism – which has resulted in historically ignoring women and girls.
In the long run, we want more studies that monitor autistic people and their experiences throughout their lives. We also must make sure that that the research is a representative of the autistic people on a widely large scale.
Finally, autistic adults ought to be involved within the formation of the direction and resources and policies of themselves. Through their input, we are able to support healthy, more complementary and socially associated lives, in order that they are good age with dignity and sovereignty.
Although the aging of autistic people has been historically neglected, we’re developing numerous research to take over this major difference in research. Although the present evidence included in our review has identified many challenges that could be facing middle-aged and older autistic people, it has also highlighted occasions where autistic people can higher help with aging-such as helping to enhance health care and improve health care.
With a greater understanding of mid -life and later life, we are able to begin to scale back health risks which can be the age of autistic adults and improve fitness.