FRIDAY, May 5, 2023 (HealthDay News) — While a lot of research has focused on autism in children, much less effort goes toward studying adults with autism.
Now, two new reports find this group is at substantial risk for age-related physical conditions and injuries, as well as being particularly susceptible to certain mental health issues including loneliness, social isolation and lower quality of life.
“There is accumulating evidence suggesting that when autistic individuals get older, they face considerable challenges from co-existing physical conditions,” said researcher Shengxin Liu, a PhD student at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. “For instance, there was evidence on obesity and epilepsy, but the research among older autistic adults remains scarce, accounting for less than 1% of published studies in autism research.”
If your are an adult on the spectrum, consider joining our Peer Support Group or Social Skills Discussion Group. Both are free and helpful.
