'A New Pace of Life': A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Retirement Plans, Preparations and Experiences in Middle-Aged and Older Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults.
Autistic adults aim to retire on time but reach 65 with thinner wallets and no roadmap.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Kowalczyk et al. (2026) asked middle-aged and older autistic adults about retirement. They also asked non-autistic adults the same questions. The team used surveys and interviews to compare plans, savings, and worries.
What they found
Both groups expect to stop work around the same age. Yet autistic adults save less money and know less about pensions. Their plans change more often. They end up with smaller nest eggs.
How this fits with other research
Gotham et al. (2015) already showed that autistic adults feel cash-strapped. Zuzanna’s team zooms in on the retirement slice of that problem.
Chamak et al. (2016) described older autistic adults living with aging parents and facing bleak futures. The new study adds numbers: even when they want to retire, the money is not there.
Cox (2012) called adults with autism “system orphans.” Zuzanna et al. give fresh proof: the orphan status follows people all the way to the pension office.
Why it matters
If you serve autistic adults, add retirement questions to your intake. Ask about pensions, savings, and future housing now. A small plan today can prevent a crisis at 65.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Retirement is a major life change affecting routines, finances and wellbeing. Autistic adults may face extra challenges during this transition due to employment barriers, limited support and planning difficulties. However, little is known about their retirement experiences compared to non-autistic adults. This mixed-methods study surveyed 517 adults from the United Kingdom (autistic n = 395), aged 40-90 years, about their retirement status, plans, experiences, employment history, income and financial security. Actual or expected retirement ages were similar across groups, but autistic adults were less likely to have made plans and more likely to have plans disrupted by financial, health or personal factors. They also reported lower rates of full-time work, reduced pensions and lower pre-retirement income. Many highlighted a lack of information about pensions and lifestyle planning. Concerns included isolation, loss of routine and financial worries, but some looked forward to more autonomy and time for self-care, leisure activities and interests. While there were many similarities between the autistic and non-autistic groups, our study found that autistic adults may reach retirement differently due to unique work histories, health needs and planning barriers. Tailored, accessible support is needed to help autistic adults plan for financial stability and meaningful post-retirement lives.Lay abstractRetirement is a major life change, but very little is known about how autistic adults experience this transition. This study explored retirement experiences/expectations of both autistic and non-autistic adults, finding that retirement happened or was expected to happen at similar ages across groups. However, autistic adults were less likely to plan for retirement and often had more difficulties with jobs, money, pensions and their health. Many felt unsure how to prepare for retirement and wanted clearer information. While some had concerns about isolation and changes to routine, others looked forward to more freedom and time for hobbies. The findings highlight the need for better support to help autistic people plan for retirement.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2026 · doi:10.1177/13623613261431925