The potential for successful autistic ageing: Proposing a lifespan developmental psychology approach

Authors

Abstract

Negative misconceptions about the inevitability of declining physical health and cognitive functioning in old age abound in society and in literature on autistic ageing. But there is a paradox of ageing: most older adults in the general population experience increases in life satisfaction and emotional wellbeing in later life that are associated with quality of life and indicative of successful ageing. Parallel patterns of later-life improvement in psychosocial functioning and emotional wellbeing have been found in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia, which raises the tantalising question: could the paradox of ageing be true for older autistic adults too? Contemporary gerontological research that reconciles the contradictions inherent in this paradox from a lifespan developmental psychology perspective also informs global public health initiatives. These promote healthy successful ageing as a process of recovery, adaptation and growth in later life for people of all abilities. By contrast, there has been relatively little examination of autistic ageing from this perspective. Drawing on analyses of both gerontological and autism literature, this gap is addressed. Lifespan psychology’s potential relevance to the developmental trajectory of autism is explored, and an evidence-based theoretical framework to guide future autism research and clinical practice aimed at promoting successful autistic ageing is proposed. Lay Abstract What is already known about this topic? Despite experiencing physical and mental losses as they age, most older people are satisfied with life. They have more positive than negative emotions, and this is related to wellbeing and improved quality of life. According to lifespan psychology, this unexpected pattern is evidence of successful ageing. By contrast, the potential for successful ageing in autism is not well understood. Even though it informs the World Health Organization’s guidelines on healthy ageing, there has been relatively little consideration of lifespan psychology in relation to autistic ageing. The researchers’ aim was to address this gap. What does this article add? This article provides a novel approach to understanding and promoting successful autistic ageing. It describes lifespan psychology and associated models and theories and how they relate to autistic experience. It also explains how and why positive outcomes like quality of life and life satisfaction are realistic goals for older autistic adults. Implications for practice, research or policy Lifespan psychology offers an evidence-based framework for guiding future research, policy and clinical practice to help older autistic adults achieve positive life outcomes, productivity, personal growth and wellbeing. Future research should test whether autistic older adults experience the same improvements in social and emotional wellbeing in later life as other groups in the population. This will help to make sure that health policy and clinical support are not based on negative assumptions about autistic ageing that do not reflect real-life experiences. Most importantly, this article shows that by thinking about ageing differently, there are opportunities for all autistic adults to enjoy healthy successful ageing.

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