Autism in adults often goes unnoticed

Autistic spectrum disorder in adults over 40 is largely unrecognized and underestimated, leading to delayed diagnosis and health inequalities. Many individuals miss out on essential support due to this lack of recognition.

Societal perception shapes understanding

The perception of autism often determines its recognition. For a long time, autism has been associated with extreme behaviors visible from childhood, overlooking a great diversity of profiles that are nonetheless affected. This reductive view has contributed to silencing a much broader reality.

Historical misrepresentation of autism

For decades, autism has been represented by the image of children in difficulty, often non-verbal, sometimes institutionalized. This caricature has rendered invisible an entire segment of the population, particularly adults who grew up before autism was recognized as a broad spectrum.

Underdiagnosis in older adults

In England, a study based on data from more than 5 million medical records shows that in 2018, only 0.03% of men over 70 had received a diagnosis, compared to 4.4% of boys aged 15 to 19. This ratio of 1 to 150 gives a measure of the accumulated delay, as shown by researchers from Lancet Regional Health – Europe.

Research neglects older adults

The review published in Autism in Adulthood shows that researchers devote less than 0.5% of publications on autism to older people. This lack of interest prevents the identification of many autistic adults, whose trajectories often cross misunderstanding, silent adaptation efforts and sometimes a muted suffering.

Signs of autism in older adults

In the columns of The Independent, an autism specialist, Dr. Lisa Williams, shares the 7 signs to watch for a possible diagnosis at an advanced age: having specific and obsessive interests, dependence on structure and predictability, heightened sensory sensitivities, difficulty with change, difficulty understanding social rules, difficulty in romantic relationships, difficulty integrating at work.

Social media aids self-discovery

With the rise of social networks, many people discover at an adult age testimonies that resonate deeply with their experience. This recognition often triggers an identity quest, which sometimes leads to a formal evaluation. For many, the diagnosis comes as a revelation, a relief mixed with a sense of injustice.

Increasing demand for diagnosis

At Yale, Dr. James McPartland observes an explosion of requests among 26-34 year olds, an age range marked by introspection and the search for meaning. These patients, sometimes in great distress, seek explanations for past difficulties: complex relationships, chaotic careers, social exhaustion.

Diagnosis challenges remain

Access to diagnosis remains fraught with obstacles. It relies on the ability to trace a developmental history often vague or forgotten, which complicates the assessment. The complexity is even greater when autism is accompanied by psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

Diagnosis can change lives

However, as pointed out by the Review of Developmental Psychology, obtaining a diagnosis can radically change an adult's trajectory, opening access to resources, adapted support and, above all, a better understanding of oneself.

Autistic traits persist with age

Among adults already diagnosed, studies show that autistic characteristics do not fade with age. Routines remain important, sensory sensitivities sometimes exacerbated, and social difficulties persistent. Added to this are issues related to aging.

Aging and comorbidities

The emergence of cognitive disorders, loss of autonomy, or the effects of menopause in autistic women, often more intense than in the general population. A review conducted by researchers from King's College London has highlighted a reduced life expectancy among autistic adults, partly due to comorbidities such as epilepsy or depressive disorders.

Social environment influences well-being

However, the social environment remains the most determining factor. Indeed, isolation, frequent among autistic adults, reinforces the risks of cognitive decline. It also increases distress and promotes precariousness. Conversely, a strong support network often allows for a better quality of life.

Lack of awareness limits care

In addition, the lack of awareness in health structures limits access to appropriate care. This lack of professional training contributes to worsening health inequalities in this population.

Public health policies lag behind

The task remains immense. Although research has advanced in the past decade, autistic adults remain the forgotten ones of public health policies. However, they form an invisible but growing population, with specific needs that society can no longer ignore.