Overview

• The narrative review, published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology by King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, re-analysed 2018 UK healthcare records.
• It estimates that 89% of autistic people aged 40–59 and 97% of those aged 60 and over do not have a formal diagnosis.
• Collated evidence shows higher rates of physical and mental health conditions, sixfold greater suicidal ideation or self-harm among those with high autistic traits, fourfold higher early-onset dementia diagnoses, and an average life expectancy of 75 versus 81.
• The authors describe barriers to appropriate care in older adulthood, including communication differences, sensory sensitivities, uncertain service pathways, continuity-of-care concerns, and limited clinician understanding.
• The review finds only 0.4% of autism research since 1980 focuses on midlife and older age, and clinicians are sharing practical guidance on later-life signs and workplace adjustments.