Alarming Rate of Undiagnosed Autism Among Older Adults Revealed in Major Review

A significant review has highlighted that a vast majority of autistic adults over the age of 40, potentially as high as 90%, remain undiagnosed. This figure escalates to 97% for individuals over 60, indicating a widespread public health oversight. Researchers attribute this substantial underdiagnosis to historical limitations in autism definitions and a past focus on younger, male populations.

The King's College London review, as reported by New Atlas, underscores the profound implications of this diagnostic gap. Many older adults have lived their lives without understanding their neurotype, leading to significant challenges. This lack of recognition has prevented them from accessing appropriate support and resources tailored to their needs.

Historically, autism was often narrowly defined as "infantile autism" and primarily linked to intellectual disability, overlooking a broader spectrum of presentations. Diagnostic criteria have only gradually expanded since the 1980s, contributing to the "lost generation" of undiagnosed older adults. This evolution in understanding means that current increases in autism prevalence largely reflect improved recognition rather than a new phenomenon.

The consequences of undiagnosed autism in older age are severe, including higher risks of dementia, mental health struggles, and chronic physical illnesses. Autistic individuals have been found to face a four times higher risk of early dementia and a six times higher risk of suicidal ideation. Social isolation is also a significant concern, with about 20% of autistic adults over 40 reporting isolation compared to 4% of their non-autistic peers.

Experts are urgently calling for increased attention to this issue, labeling it a critical public health blind spot. Addressing this requires a lifespan approach to autism, integrating tailored healthcare and expanding social supports for aging autistic individuals. The findings emphasize the need for better understanding of autism in midlife and beyond to improve health and quality of life outcomes across the lifespan.