Autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan: Dynamic symptom trajectories and multidimensional support framework

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition, typically emerging in early childhood and persisting throughout life. Its core symptoms-social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive sensory-motor patterns-exhibit dynamic trajectories across developmental stages, with distinct challenges arising at different ages. While substantial research efforts have been dedicated to pediatric ASD, the scientific focus remains comparatively limited for adult and geriatric populations, leaving their distinct needs less comprehensively addressed. This review begins with a concise overview of the epidemiology and etiology of ASD. We then examine age-dependent symptom evolution and associated challenges across the lifespan, from childhood to advanced age. Finally, we propose a stage-specific, individualized life-course support framework, outlining tailored strategies for distinct developmental phases. This framework transcends symptomatic management to empower functional resilience across the life trajectory, offering a roadmap for research and practice to serve the entire autism spectrum.