From Diagnosis to Dialogue: a call for support of older adults with a late autism diagnosis

Although both in autism and gerontological research the attention for aging well with autism is growing, little attention has been paid to the impact of receiving an autism diagnosis in later life. This is unfortunate, as nowadays many of the older adults on the autism spectrum have spent most of their lives being unaware of their autism. Drawing on previous research, our combined personal and professional experiences, and the narratives of eighteen older adults diagnosed later in life (aged 60-77, 50% female), we argue that a late autism diagnosis necessitates a fundamental rethinking of aging, identity, personal relationships and appropriate support. Effective interventions must be tailored to the specific needs and strengths of this population, ensuring that late-diagnosed older adults with autism receive the recognition, understanding, and tools they require to navigate their lives with confidence and self-awareness. Our findings highlight the need for a conceptual shift in how gerontology understands and addresses autism among older adults. The narratives of the older adults informed the (co-)creation of a conversational tool designed to help older adults with autism articulate personal boundaries and aspirations. By fostering understanding and dialogue, this initiative extends beyond individual transformation to promote broader societal awareness and support.