Autism Characteristics and Self-Reported Health in Older Adulthood.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
• Gerontology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a lifelong condition with potential impacts on physical and mental health.
• Previous research has indicated associations between ASD and various health challenges, but a continuous measurement approach offers deeper insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between autism characteristics and physical health, mental health, and psychological well-being in an aging adult population.
• To extend the evidence base on the multifaceted health struggles associated with elevated autism characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A continuous measurement approach was employed with 294 aging adults (mean age = 70.51).
• Participants completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Scale and self-report measures for physical health, mental health, and psychological well-being.
• The majority of participants did not have a formal autism diagnosis, allowing for the study of autism characteristics in a broader population.

Main Results:

• Strong correlations were found between autism characteristics and challenges in social engagement due to poor health (r = 0.46).
• Elevated autism characteristics were significantly associated with higher levels of depression (r = 0.39) and anxiety (r = 0.47).
• Participants with higher autism characteristics reported greater limitations due to poor mental health (r = 0.41), lower life satisfaction (r = -0.47), and poorer psychological well-being (r = -0.62).

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore the significant health and well-being challenges faced by aging individuals with elevated autism characteristics.
• This research highlights critical areas for future investigation, including the long-term health trajectories and support needs of this population.