Report: The Circumstances and Support Needs of Older people with Autism

18 August 2010

This report notes that, while children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a high probability of being correctly diagnosed with the condition, adults have either been misdiagnosed with another atypical mental state or perhaps labelled eccentric.

It examines the circumstances and support needs of older people with ASD and compares the quality of life and psychological difficulties of adults and older adults with intellectual disability both with and without autism.   It goes on to indicate that levels of unemployment, anxiety and depression are all significantly higher in older adults with ASD and those in employment need support in terms of greater awareness in the workforce in terms of advocacy and social skills training.  It also points out that lower levels of ability in older adults with intellectual disability and ASD are associated with behaviour problems, psychotic disorder and poorer quality of life.

Available on the internet at: http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/health/publications/socialcare/reports/Olderpeopleautism/?lang=en