Exploring the Social Experiences and Preferences of Autistic Adults in Midlife and Older Age: A Co-Produced Qualitative Study

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Fahey, N., Jenkins, C. A., Chan, W. L., Najda, K., Eshetu, A., Happé, F., & Stewart, G. R. (2026). Exploring the Social Experiences and Preferences of Autistic Adults in Midlife and Older Age: A Co-Produced Qualitative Study [Preprint]. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9940175/v1

Publication date: 8 Jun 2026 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Preprint Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
7
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 7 (14.3%)
  1. Nell Fahey
  2. Christine A. Jenkins *
  3. Wing Lam Chan
  4. Karolina Najda
  1. Aphrodite Eshetu
  2. Francesca Happé
  3. Gavin R. Stewart

Abstract

Abstract Adults often experience reduced social connectedness with increased age, and lack of social support can be associated with poorer quality of life. However, the social experiences and preferences of autistic adults in midlife and older age have not yet been qualitatively studied. A total of 33 autistic participants aged 40-78 years took part in our co-produced semi-structured interview study about their social preferences and experiences. Using thematic analysis, we created three themes. Themes 1 and 2, “The Impact of Ageing and Changes to Life Circumstances on Social Experiences” and "Consistency of Social Experiences Throughout Life”, directly contrasted. Theme 3 explored "Hopes and Concerns about the Present and Future”. These themes highlight the varied impact of ageing, resulting in the overarching sentiment that “one size does not fit all” when considering the social needs of autistic adults in midlife and older age. Although some aspects remained consistent, many reported reduced or more challenging social experiences with age, with many expressing concerns about the future. Motivations and barriers were also found to differ with age. These findings highlight targets for social support for older autistic adults, and the need for further research into specific age-related factors impacting their social experiences.

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Cited references
45
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
4 / 45 (8.9%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
4 / 189 (2.1%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 4 / 82 (4.9%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 4 / 151 (2.6%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
82 / 189 (43.4%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 47 / 151 (31.1%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
78 / 82 (95.1%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 78 / 189 (41.3%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 43 / 47 (91.5%).
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