health
Think your parent is neurodivergent? Here’s what you need to know
Up to 97% of autistic people over 60 are undiagnosed. Experts offer up advice for family members on how to support this ‘neglected generation’
TL;DR
- Up to 97% of autistic people over 60 are undiagnosed, a group often referred to as a 'neglected generation'.
- Retirement and life changes can disrupt routines and increase challenges for older neurodivergent individuals.
- Key indicators of neurodivergence in older adults include significant distress when routines are disrupted and difficulties managing social situations.
- Masking autistic traits can become more difficult with age as the nervous system has less capacity to hide them.
- Seeking a diagnosis for older adults can provide a framework for understanding their life experiences and facilitate living more authentically.
- Families can broach the subject of neurodivergence by sharing information gradually and drawing parallels with potential shared traits or neurodivergent celebrities.
- Late-life diagnosis can be therapeutic, helping to explain past behaviors and bring families closer.
- Support options include consulting GPs, seeking private assessments (with careful provider selection), and engaging with neurodivergent peer support groups.
- Diagnosis can positively impact physical health by reducing chronic stress from masking and potentially improving access to beneficial treatments for conditions like ADHD.