Life Hacks for Aging Adults With Autism Symptoms

Aging adults with autism symptoms may require different types of care.There have been a lot of conversations in the autism communities about how older adults with autism symptoms often become better at managing their disorder through maturity, established routines, and time. But since it is also known that autism doesn’t just go away and that it is a lifelong challenge for most, what happens to those with autism in old age?

It’s a question more are exploring as autism continues to be diagnosed to older individuals. Case in point is Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, who has revealed he only learned of his diagnosis in his late 70s. More celebrities and non-celebrities alike are also revealing that they only learned of their diagnosis as adults, such as singer Sia. Adults with autism characteristics typically have known they are “different” but older autistic adults are announcing that they finally understand why they have felt they way they do.

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Older Adults With Autism Symptoms: How Does It Impact Aging?

So, once a person knows they are on the spectrum, or in regard to someone who has known since a young child but is now aging, does it create any special challenges? Older autistic adults are addressing the question by mostly saying growing older can be difficult for anyone, neurodiverse and neurotypical alike.

Besides the physical changes are inevitable with age, are there any mental changes or concerns that could impact older adults with autism characteristics? Any thoughts on aging gracefully?

Much information still relies on overcoming myths about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and that while it is often thought of as a childhood condition, the reality is that most people with autism grow up to be autistic adults. As the population of adults with autism increases, new challenges arise surrounding how autism affects the aging process.

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Here are key issues faced by middle-aged and senior adults with autism and how to proactively address them.

Social Isolation and Older Adults with Autism Symptoms

Autism in old age can be managed, especially with support by those close to aging adults with autism symptoms.One major concern concerning older adults with autism symptoms is that they are a high risk for becoming socially isolated as they age. Many autistic adults have smaller social circles and struggle with maintaining friendships or relationships over the long-term.

As people retire from workplaces that provided daily social contact and as aging starts to impact mobility or health, autistic adults may have fewer opportunities for social connection outside the home. Loneliness and isolation can then take a toll on both mental and physical health.

It is important for autistic adults to be proactive about finding ways to engage with others and nurture social bonds before they retire. Joining community groups, clubs, or organizations that cater to their interests several years prior to retiring can help establish meaningful relationships and a social support network.

Making in-person social interaction a regular part of a weekly routine early on can make it easier to maintain those habits after leaving the workforce. It can also help to develop friendships with other autistic adults or people who are understanding of autism, as they are more likely to be able to adjust to changes in socializing abilities that may come with age.

Once retired, autistic adults should continue being intentional about reducing isolation. This could involve joining autism support groups tailored to older adults, senior center programs adapted for special needs, volunteer organizations that provide structure, or activity clubs catering to specific interests.

Moving to a retirement community can provide built-in social connection. Building a social network within the autism community and participating in in-person events and meet-ups can be especially helpful.

For those comfortable with technology, online forums and social media can offer ways to engage in discussion and exchange social support. Video chat programs like Skype also enable face-to-face conversations when mobility becomes limited.

With some creativity and effort focused on outreach, even adults with more limited social skills can cultivate meaningful relationships that address the human need for companionship, not just for adults with autism symptoms, but for anyone in general.

Changes With Autism in Old Age

Aging itself brings changes that can be uniquely challenging for those on the spectrum. Retirement and leaving behind a structured workplace, cognitive decline, losing loved ones, worsening physical health, and increased reliance on others for daily activities are difficult for most adults. However, for individuals having both autism and aging and rely on routines, have sensory sensitivities, or struggle with adjusting to new environments, these shifts associated with aging can be extremely disruptive and distressing.

The aging process may even seem to exacerbate autism symptoms related to executive functioning, attention, memory, emotional regulation, and behavior.

Coping strategies, organizational systems, and daily rituals that have served well earlier in life may no longer work as effectively with autism and aging. Autistic adults and their caregivers need to be ready to thoughtfully assess abilities and adapt supports and routines as needed.

Working with mental health professionals or autism specialists can make this process easier. At the same time, taking advantage of more stable strengths and abilities can help aging adults with autism maintain autonomy and enjoy a good quality of life. For example, an autistic adult who has always excelled at computer skills could continue volunteering for an IT help desk.

Aging adults with a talent for art or music can give lessons to others or perform. Focusing energy on lifelong special interests can provide meaning and fulfillment. With some flexibility and deliberate optimization of abilities, the challenges of aging can be mitigated.

Sensory and Lifestyle Needs with Adults With Autism Characteristics

It's important to stay connected to older adults with autism symptoms.Sensory issues associated with autism may also become more prominent with age and need to be addressed. Sensitivity to light, sound, touch, smells, tastes, and texture can cause discomfort or pain. As the ability to adapt declines, establishing living environments suited to an individual’s sensory needs becomes even more crucial.

Features like soundproofing, low lighting, limited visual clutter, soft surfaces, odor control, separate spaces for different activities, and FP officials may be needed. Using noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, cushions, weighted blankets, rocking chairs, and other tools to moderate sensory input can help.

Dietary needs related to taste or texture may also become more restricted. Making sensory adjustments enables older autistic adults to be calmer and more at ease, improving quality of life. With occupational therapy input and thoughtful environmental planning, the living space can be designed for sensory well-being.

In addition, adapting daily routines and structures to allow for older age and changing abilities is key. Rigidity tends to increase with aging, so expectations around fixed schedules need to be flexible. Scaling back complex routines into more manageable parts can enable older autistic adults to retain some sense of control.

Providing memory aids and cues to support completing tasks like getting dressed or making a meal also helps preserve independence. At the same time, ensuring general health needs are met through proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and medical care is vital.

Aging support professionals who understand autism can customize lifestyle plans and environmental adaptations in ways that enhance dignity and well-being. With this support, individuals with autism and aging can continue enjoying purposeful, engaged lives.

Caregiving Needs for Adults with Autism Characteristics

Lastly, autism affects needs for caregiving and support in one’s older age. Autistic adults are much more likely than the general population to require some degree of ongoing assistance or supervision as they get older. If adult children or relatives are expected to take on this essential caregiving role, they should educate themselves about late-life autism and available community resources.

Joining caregiver support groups can also provide both information and encouragement. At-home caregivers should receive training from professionals with expertise in caring for aging adults with developmental disorders, tailored to the individual’s needs. This will help ensure safe, compassionate care.

Planning ahead for future decision-making and care arrangements is also crucial. This includes working with an attorney to establish advance care directives and a special needs trust. Special needs trusts provide funds to support an autistic adult without causing disqualification from government benefits like Medicaid.

Advance directives should outline future medical care and living arrangements in case the autistic adult is unable to make decisions. It is also wise to explore options like group homes, residential facilities, or home care agencies that specialize in supported living services for aging adults with autism. Taking these steps early on can ease transitions down the road.

In addition, accessing social services available to both aging adults and those with disabilities can expand care options. Adult day programs, in-home supportive services, nutrition assistance, case management, senior centers with adaptive programs, affordable housing, and Medicaid waivers are all possible resources.

A care coordinator familiar with both autism and geriatric care can help put customized support services in place, allowing older adults with autism to stay in the least restrictive environment possible. With proactive planning and access to services tailored to their needs, aging autistic adults can get the compassionate support they deserve.

Financial Planning for Older Autistic Adults

Another important aspect of autism in old age is planning for finances and legal matters. Many autistic adults rely on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to cover their needs. However, these programs have strict income and asset limits.

As adults with autism age, inheritance or gift money from relatives can sometimes push them over the limits, resulting in loss of benefits. To avoid this, special needs trusts should be established to shelter assets while still allowing funds to be used for quality of life expenses. An elder law attorney familiar with disability issues can set up an appropriate trust.

In addition, benefits planning should start several years before any major life changes like retirement. For those receiving SSDI through past employment, Social Security retirement benefits may provide higher monthly income. An expert should help analyze the options so there are no gaps in this crucial source of income in later life.

Careful planning also needs to surround the transition into Medicare at age 65. Autistic adults may stick with original Medicare or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that incorporates the Medicaid benefits they’ve relied on. Again, having guidance to navigate these choices is important.

Autistic adults should also consider granting Power of Attorney to a trusted person who can manage finances or legal decisions if needed as one ages. Long-term support services, housing, and other major expenditures will likely arise. Having someone legally authorized to handle monetary matters provides stability for adults with autism characteristics.

Establishing access to bank accounts, credit, investments, insurance policies, and other assets will fall to this appointed person. With thorough advance planning around finances and legal matters, aging adults with autism gain an added measure of security and peace of mind.

Developing Supports Within the Community

Aging well with autism also depends on having a compassionate, supportive community. Adult children, extended family, friends, neighbors, and local organizations can all play a role in enriching an autistic adult’s life. Education goes a long way in this regard.

Offering classes or workshops for families on autism and aging develops understanding of the unique needs involved. Hosting community talks or film screenings also fosters awareness and brings people together. Inviting caregivers of older autistic adults to share their stories engenders empathy.

Faith communities can commit to being inclusive of autistic members through specific accommodations and outreach. Local volunteer groups can make service opportunities accessible and involve autistic adults in contributing. Autism advocacy organizations can lobby for improved long-term services and appropriate housing for adults with autism characteristics.

The more a community knows about living with autism, the more accepting and supportive they become. Building these bridges across the lifespan improves quality of life and well-being. With proactive development of community connections, aging with autism can be a little easier.

Autism in Old Age and Focusing on Strengths

Embracing differences with autism at all ages is important, including autism in old age.Finally, while many challenges exist, it is crucial to recognize that older autistic adults also have many strengths to draw on. Often, autistic individuals possess extensive knowledge about topics of special interest. Maintaining opportunities to engage with these interests provides meaning and purpose.

Many are honest, reliable, loyal, and appreciate consistency. Play to these strengths by involving older autistic adults in structured volunteer roles that tap their expertise, like archives work or tech support through a senior center.

Older autistic adults can also make wonderful advocates, trainers, writers, artists, crafters, musicians, and more. Creatively building on inherent strengths, rather than just focusing on limitations, empowers autistic adults to continue contributing as they age. With support and encouragement, their gifts can make a positive difference in the world.

Autism in old age poses unique difficulties, but being attuned to the key issues and making practical preparations can help autistic adults maintain health, engagement, and contentment throughout their later years.

From countering social isolation to adjusting to changing abilities to arranging specialized care, purposeful steps to address autism in old age will lead to better outcomes. With the right adaptability, support, and planning, middle and later adulthood can still be an enriching part of life’s journey for individuals on the spectrum. The challenges are surmountable, and autistic adults can continue thriving as they grow older.

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