Major Study Reveals 90% of Autistic Adults Over 40 Undiagnosed

A new study conducted by researchers at King’s College London reveals that approximately 90% of autistic adults over the age of 40 remain undiagnosed. This finding challenges the perception that autism is a condition primarily affecting younger generations and highlights significant gaps in healthcare for older autistic individuals.

The research indicates that while autism diagnoses have surged in recent decades, with a reported 787% increase in the UK between 1998 and 2018, the majority of older adults are overlooked. Specifically, around 89% of autistic adults aged 40-59 and a staggering 97% of those over 60 lack a formal diagnosis. This lack of recognition has serious implications for their health and quality of life.

Health statistics underscore the urgency of this issue. Autistic individuals face a significantly higher risk of early dementia, with studies showing they are four times more likely to develop the condition. Additionally, the risk of suicidal ideation among autistic individuals is six times greater than that of their non-autistic peers. The life expectancy for autistic individuals in the UK is 75 years, compared to 81 years for non-autistic individuals.

Dr. Gavin Stewart, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings: “These very high underdiagnosis estimates suggest that many autistic adults will have never been recognized as being autistic and will not have been offered the right support. This could make them more susceptible to age-related problems, such as social isolation and poorer health.”

Complex Health Needs of Older Autistic Adults

Beyond mental health challenges, older autistic adults also report higher incidences of various serious health conditions. These include immune diseases, cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and age-related ailments like Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis. The study illustrates that despite the growing awareness of autism, significant numbers of older adults remain unrecognized within health statistics.

The study’s findings resonate with trends observed globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of autism diagnoses has substantially increased in the United States, from one in 150 children born in 1994 to one in 31 for those born in 2014. This rise is especially notable among young adults and various demographic groups, yet the older population continues to be largely invisible.

Historically, the understanding of autism was limited, often associated with “infantile autism” and intellectual disability. Such narrow definitions have contributed to the underdiagnosis of older adults, especially women, who often exhibit different symptoms. Over the past few decades, diagnostic criteria for autism have broadened, allowing for greater recognition of the condition across the lifespan.

The Need for Comprehensive Support

The high rates of undiagnosed autism among older adults not only affect individual health outcomes but also impact policy and service provision. Dr. Stewart noted that “much of our research has systematically overlooked a large proportion of the autistic population, potentially skewing our understanding of how autistic people age and leaving critical gaps in policy and services.”

Research from the United States further illustrates these concerns. A study found that 35.1% of autistic adults aged 64 and older also had a diagnosis of dementia, compared to about 10% of the general population over 65. The increased risks associated with cognitive decline in autistic individuals remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for more focused research.

Older autistic adults also experience challenges related to access to healthcare and social support. While 20% of those over the age of 40 report feeling socially isolated, only 4% of their non-autistic peers feel the same way. This disparity underscores the necessity for tailored healthcare solutions and social initiatives aimed at supporting aging autistic individuals.

The findings from this study serve as a vital reminder that claims of an “autism epidemic” often overlook the hidden generations of older adults who remain undiagnosed and unacknowledged. As Dr. Francesca Happé, a co-author of the study, stated, “Understanding the needs of autistic people as they age is a pressing global public health concern.”

To address these challenges, the study advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes funding long-term research, integrating specialized healthcare, and expanding social support systems. This multifaceted strategy aims to ensure that aging autistic individuals can lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

The research was published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, contributing to the growing body of knowledge surrounding autism and its impact on individuals as they age. As the field continues to evolve, it is crucial to ensure that no demographic is left behind in the pursuit of better health outcomes and quality of life for all autistic individuals.