Navigating challenges and supportive strategies in adult autism
Navigating challenges and supportive strategies in adult autism

Summary/Abstract: This narrative review critically examines the underexplored domain of aging in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), highlighting the unique challenges and support needs faced by older adults on the spectrum. Despite increased recognition of ASD in younger populations, a significant knowledge and resource gap persists for older adults, who often navigate aging without adequate support or understanding. The review synthesizes research on the aging process in ASD, detailing specific challenges such as increased healthcare barriers, social isolation risks, and the complexities surrounding late diagnosis. It underscores the dire need for tailored intervention strategies and support mechanisms, critiquing the current inadequacies in addressing these needs. Furthermore, the review explores policy implications, advocating for a shift in the conceptualization and accommodation of autistic aging within healthcare and social services. It calls for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to research and support, urging collaboration among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the autistic community to ensure that aging individuals with ASD receive the necessary resources for a dignified life. Through a detailed synthesis of existing literature, this review illuminates the urgent need for focused attention on the aging ASD population, proposing future research directions that prioritize inclusivity and specificity in support strategies. It represents a call to action for developing a holistic framework that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences of older adults with ASD, aiming for a future where they are supported comprehensively as they age.

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