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How do autistic adults experience ageing? A qualitative interview study
Rebecca Aitken1,2,3, Katherine Berry1,2, Emma Gowen1
1School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, UK.
Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|February 28, 2026
Summary
Older autistic adults desire autism-informed support for aging well, highlighting fears, adaptive strategies, and the importance of social relationships. Current services are often incompatible, necessitating improved societal understanding and tailored professional recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Health and Social Care
Background:
- Limited research exists on the aging experiences of autistic individuals.
- Understanding the unique needs of aging autistic adults is crucial for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore middle-aged and older autistic adults' perspectives on aging well.
- To identify age-related health and social care needs within this population.
- To determine how services can better support autistic adults in aging.
Main Methods:
- 17 autistic adults (aged 46-72) were interviewed using semi-structured interviews.
- Interviews were conducted via Zoom or telephone and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
- Convenience and snowball sampling strategies were employed for participant recruitment.
Main Results:
- Five themes emerged: possibilities/fears of aging, adaptive strategies, autism acceptance, social relationships, and the need for autism-informed formal support.
- Participants perceived a poor understanding of autism and aging, with potential increased risks for conditions like dementia.
- Existing support services were found to be incompatible with autistic characteristics, often due to lack of professional understanding and accessibility issues.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant need to enhance societal knowledge regarding aging with autism.
- Services require adaptation to be autism-informed, trauma-informed, and strength-focused.
- Recommendations include involving autistic individuals in service design and providing peer support for navigation and access.
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