When people think of autism diagnoses, many will think of children. Autism is commonly diagnosed in children when their parents notice specific behaviors such as repetitive habits or not understanding social cues. However, not every child with autism receives a diagnosis early on, and this leads to adults with autism who do not necessarily know that they have it, which can negatively impact their lives.
That is why psychiatrists need to know the ins and outs of diagnosing older adults with autism, so that more adults can understand their own behaviors and receive the best care and support possible.
How Autism Presents in Older Adults
It is important to understand how autism presents itself across the lifespan, including in the later years. Children ages 3 through 4 will present differently compared to 21- to 29-year-olds, for example.
When specifically looking at the presentation of autism in older adults, some of the most common signs include social isolation, blunt communication styles, and a very strong need for a routine. These symptoms can become even stronger as the individual gets older, as they have followed their routine for longer than, say, a child or young adult would have.
Older adults with autism will also often struggle with changes to their lifestyle and social situations. If their social circle adjusts as they age (which can be common) or they become ill and need to enter a retirement community, this can massively impact them.
On the other hand, an older adult with an autism diagnosis will have the knowledge and access to treatments necessary to navigate those changes. It can be much harder for someone who has yet to receive an autism diagnosis.
The Diagnosis of Autism in Older Adults
Unfortunately, many adults and older adults (such as those over the age of 65) do not receive the autism diagnosis they need.
Diagnosing an older adult can be a bit more complex for several reasons. The understanding of autism was different in past generations, so some may not believe they have it, even if they show some very obvious signs. Or, they may have spent the majority of their life masking and have gotten very good at it.
Diagnosing these adults requires a mixture of observations, interviews, and effective screening tools. Often, clinicians will also interview a person close to the individual undergoing the screening, as this can give them a clearer insight into the individual’s behaviors over the years.
Adaptive Behaviors for Older Adults with Autism
An autism diagnosis can feel like a breakthrough for many adults. It means they can start receiving treatment and using adaptive behaviors, helping them to live a richer, fulfilled life. That might include learning practical self-care skills, building a stronger support system, and receiving assistance with chores and bills. The changes can be truly transformative.
If you need access to the best tools and resources for an accurate diagnosis, assessments like the (ADOS®-2) Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition can help provide some answers about behavior. The Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS®-3) is an incredibly useful tool to measure daily life skills for people who need it
