Into the unknown: aging with autism spectrum disorders.

Storch et al. (2012) read every paper they could find on adults with autism who are over 50. They wrote a story-style review. They asked: what happens when these adults grow old?

The team saw big gaps. Almost no studies looked at people past mid-life. Still, the papers said life can get better with the right help. Medical, social, and housing supports must fit each person because science gives few road maps.

Later work fills the gaps A et al. pointed out. Bao et al. (2017) tracked 74 adults for 25 years and showed that mood and behavior problems often ease with age while core autism signs stay steady. That matches the hopeful note in Storch et al. (2012).

Hwang et al. (2020) counted how many autistic adults meet standard "aging well" rules. Only one in thirty did, so the old checklist fails this group. The finding supports A et al.’s call for new, autism-friendly criteria.

Aitken et al. (2026) talked with 17 autistic adults aged 46-72. The adults asked for services that understand autism and trauma. Their voices give real-life detail to the supports A et al. could only imagine.

You may soon meet clients who are 50, 60, or 70 with autism. Science will not tell you exactly what to do. Screen for epilepsy, sleep, and heart issues as Parsons et al. (2019) suggest. Add peer-run support because Rebecca et al. show it works. Drop the generic "aging well" score sheet and write goals that fit the person’s own view of a good life.