Abstract
ABSTRACTIncreasingly adults over the age of 50 are receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition. Growing up in a time when autism was poorly recognised, these adults have lived unknowingly with the condition and face readjustment. This paper reports the first study to investigate this population. Nine adults over the age of 50, who had recently been diagnosed with ASC, were interviewed, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Results showed that the participants had received treatment for anxiety and depression. They reported ASC behaviours in their childhood and growing up they felt isolated and alien. Receiving a diagnosis was seen as a positive step and allowed for a reconfiguration of self and an appreciation of individual needs. Given the positive aspects of receiving a late diagnosis, more work is needed to identify older adults with undiagnosed ASC.
Highlights
Adults over the age of 50 are receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition
It is the first paper to report the alienation that older adults feel living without knowledge of their condition and the first to look at an older age group
Given the historical context of the disorder, and the progress made in aetiology and the development of diagnostic techniques, it is probable that there will be many adults receiving an Autism spectrum condition (ASC) diagnosis after the age of 50, and it is crucial that health care professionals, social workers and clinicians spot signs of ASC in older adults
Summary
Adults over the age of 50 are receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition. Research into undiagnosed older adults is essential as many individuals, who eventually go on to receive a diagnosis of ASC, are already being treated for social problems, anxiety and mood disturbances (Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al, 2018; Geurts & Jansen, 2012) without their core disorder being recognised. Taylor’s (1983) cognitive adaptation model suggests that individuals faced with life-changing information need to re-evaluate their sense of self and their possible futures. This re-evaluation involves three mechanisms: meaningmaking, taking control and self-esteem building. If individuals are aware of the problem they have, the diagnosis is less likely to be a source of shock, and in these cases, the primary experience of the process may be one of relief (Peel, Parry, Douglas, & Lawton, 2004)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
