What's it like being you? Growing old(er) with Autism Spectrum Conditions – A Scoping Study

Abstract

The aim of this scoping study was to understand which issues are of salience for the experiences of adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) as they grow older, in order to determine themes for a follow up study using in-depth interviews. Four adults (two female, two male) on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum were interviewed with a purposely broad semi-structured interview schedule. The transcripts were analysed using Thematic Analysis to identify emerging themes. The themes identified are depression, effects of diagnosis, experiences with mental health professionals and therapists, the inverted relationship between educational level and career, the participant as autism expert, and communication/social interaction. The findings echo some existing research and present an insight into the lived experiences of older adults with autism. The themes identified in the scoping study will form the basis for further qualitative studies. Implications for further research are also discussed.