Autism and ageing – what to watch for if you care for an older person with autism
Life with a diagnosis of autism presents its own distinct challenges. From childhood through to old age, people living with autism spectrum disorders often find difficulties in navigating everyday life. Their neurodivergence, while offering them many positive traits to celebrate, can also throw up curveballs when it comes to social interactions in typical classrooms, workplaces and communities.
Rather than becoming easier as we age, the challenges merely change. And of course, other medical conditions rear their heads. For those of us caring for someone with an autism diagnosis, it’s perhaps even more important than ever to take into account their feelings and preferences as we support them and care for them as they age.
That’s why, for this Autism Awareness Week, we wanted to offer you some helpful advice and things to think about if you find yourself caring for a friend or relative with autism. Not because of their autism, but in spite of it.
How does autism affect people as they age?
For a number of reasons, researchers have found it challenging to determine how exactly age-related changes impact autism. Previous studies indicate a worsening of symptoms over time, while others suggest that those with a diagnosis and treatment, such as cognitive based therapy, actually learn strategies and better coping mechanisms as they get older.
In reality, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. After all, there is a huge range in the physical and mental impact on neurotypical people during the process of ageing. So why would this be any different in their peers with autism spectrum disorders?
One thing is for sure though, an autism diagnosis does not preclude contracting one of a number of other age-related diseases that may impact mental and physical health. And that may require additional care. What it does do, though, is make seeking help and support for those conditions all the more difficult.
What can you do as a carer to make things that little bit easier?
Even if a person’s autism doesn’t itself mean they require support from a carer, it may be that sensory and other needs make it difficult for them to receive care or relate to their carer in the same way as other, neurotypical people.
That’s why it may be necessary to make some accommodations or at least to be aware of any particular needs they may have, to ensure you can offer them the quality of life they deserve as they head into their later years.
Be sensitive to sensory needs
Often adults with autism spectrum disorders have specific sensory needs. They may struggle with loud noises, or indeed very specific noises, such as vacuum cleaning, or noisy chewing, for example. They may not like the feel of certain materials on their skin, or they may struggle with close contact or touching by another person.
If you are providing personal care, such as washing or bathing, to someone with autism, it’s important to talk to them and their loved ones to find out whether they have specific sensory needs. These should be taken seriously and accommodated, or at the very last acknowledged, wherever possible.
Be aware of food aversions
It’s common, too, for autistic people to struggle with certain food aversions. These might be to do with the look of texture of different foods, as much as it is to do with taste. This may make it more difficult to keep provide nutritious meals that help them to enjoy a balanced diet.
It’s important to be mindful of these so-called safe foods and provide them regularly. As people with autism age, it’s unlikely they will change their attitude to foods and what they like and are prepared to accept.
Focus on oral health
Oral health is incredibly important, but so often neglected when health begins to decline or memory fails. Try to gently remind the person you’re caring for to brush their teeth morning and evening. And help them to find a mouthwash they can tolerate.
Making and attending dental appointments may feel very difficult for an autistic person. Act with compassion and patience and take them along to a dentist you know and trust to treat them with respect and dignity.
While you cannot force someone to attend an appointment, it is worth a lot of gentle encouragement to help them to avoid gum disease and dental cavities that would doubtless involve more pain and distress.
Make routine a priority
Many people with autism thrive on routine. And this can often become more pronounced as they age. So when you begin your caring role, find out as much as you can about the daily activities and the things the person you are caring for likes to do.
Social isolation can be even more apparent in seniors with autism, so perhaps finding other members of the autism community locally could help them to feel more comfortable and accepted.
Embracing routines that are already in place will help them to get used to and accept you being a part of their life.
Keep an eye out for other co-occurring conditions
Unfortunately, when someone has autism, it can be harder than usual to recognise and treat other conditions. Sometimes symptoms can be masked by autism traits that are already present. Depression and anxiety, for example, are very common in people with autism and can make autistic behaviours harder to manage if left untreated.
Meanwhile, depending on how a person’s autism presents, dementia can be tricky to spot as some symptoms may feel similar. Only by really getting to know the person you’re caring for on an individual basis, and spending time with them each day, can you begin to recognise when their behaviour changes or seems out of character for some reason.
Autism is a lifelong condition that impacts daily life, mental health and social relationships. Only by getting to know and understand the likes and preferences of the person we are caring for can we help them to live a happy and fulfilling life, retaining their independence for as long as possible.
World Autism Acceptance Week takes place from 27th March – 2nd April 2023. Why not find out more about what’s going on and look into fundraising events in your area?
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