Autistic adults aged over 40 are more likely to face greater risks of physical and mental illness than their non-autistic peers, according to new research.
Experts from Kings College London are calling for better support for older autistic adults, after they discovered 89% of autistic people in Britain aged between 40-59 are estimated to be undiagnosed.
The figure is even higher for autistic people aged 60 and over – researchers found around 97% of these individuals are without a diagnosis.
Published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, the study revealed older autistic adults are more likely to face greater health problems and struggle with employment, relationships and milestone events such as menopause and retirement.
Dr Gavin Stewart, lead author of the research, said: ‘Autistic children grow into autistic adults, and we know that they are more likely to have higher rates of most physical and mental health problems.
‘People often need a diagnosis, or need to be recognise it within themselves, to be able to ask for appropriate help and support.’
On the subject of mental health, the review – which is the largest of its kind – highlighted higher rates of anxiety and depression in older autistic people, as well as suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
Among the troubling findings, experts also outlined autistic adults face an increased risk of developing certain physical health conditions including early onset dementia, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. What’s more, the average life expectancy between autistic and non-autistic adults differed by six years.
Autistic people were discovered to live until 75 compared with 81 years old for non-autistic people. However, researchers noted these statistics could be misrepresented because of the poor diagnosis rates.
Professor Francesca Happé, co-author of the research, remarked understanding the needs of autistic people as they get older is ‘a pressing global public health concern.’
‘As autistic people age, the nature of the challenges they face changes,’ Professor Happé continued. ‘We must adopt a lifespan approach that funds long-term research, integrates tailored healthcare, and expands social supports so that ageing autistic people can live happy and healthy lives.’
To give further context into how necessary support is, separate figures show just 0.4% of research on autism since 1980 has focused on people in midlife or older age.
The full report from Kings College London can be accessed here.
Photo by Polina via Pexels
In related news:
30 hours free childcare begins, but low-income families may not benefit
Leave a Reply