Examining the Lived Experiences of Older Autistic Adults: A Synthesis Review of Qualitative Literature

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Nicholas, D., Nelson, H., Shafai, F., Edelson, S. M., Bal, V., Lawson, W., Bauman, M., Hendren, R. L., & Trollor, J. N. (2026). Examining the Lived Experiences of Older Autistic Adults: A Synthesis Review of Qualitative Literature. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07343-y

Publication date: 9 May 2026 Added to AutiHub: 11 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
9
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 9 (11.1%)
  1. David Nicholas
  2. Hilary Nelson
  3. Fakhri Shafai
  4. Stephen M. Edelson
  5. Vanessa Bal
  1. Wenn Lawson *
  2. Margaret Bauman
  3. Robert L. Hendren
  4. Julian N Trollor

Abstract

PURPOSE: This scoping review includes the qualitative literature published from 2013 to 2024 exploring health, healthcare and quality of life among older Autistic adults. Aims were to identify evidence of later life experiences and outcomes for this population. METHODS: The review was based on Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology, with keywords searched within five relevant databases. Studies comprised peer reviewed articles with qualitative or mixed method designs addressing the quality of life, health or healthcare of Autistic adults in mid and later years (50 years and older). Participants in the reviewed studies included Autistic individuals, including those with or without intellectual disability, and/or individuals who support this population (e.g., personal supporters, caregivers, healthcare or service providers). RESULTS: A total of 12 papers were found that had qualitative data and met inclusion criteria. These studies cumulatively identified themes related to (i) aging with autism, with subthemes of sense of self and identity, connection, deriving enjoyment or meaning, and navigating health and healthcare; and (ii) service gaps, with subthemes of service issues, factors that mediate the effectiveness of supports, and professional knowledge gaps. CONCLUSION: Study authors advocate for increased research on aging and autism, improved services, and enhanced training and capacity-building for professionals in this field.

Bibliography cited by this reference

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Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
41
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
7 / 41 (17.1%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
8 / 247 (3.2%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 8 / 112 (7.1%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 7 / 202 (3.5%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
112 / 247 (45.3%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 78 / 202 (38.6%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
104 / 112 (92.9%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 104 / 247 (42.1%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 71 / 78 (91.0%).
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