Aging in autism: A systematic review of cognitive, neural, and physical health findings.
Abigail Dickinson, Declan Ryan, Judith E Carroll et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined cognitive, neural, and physical health outcomes in aging autistic adults, analyzing 56 studies. The findings indicate no overall accelerated aging in autism, with subjective cognitive complaints being notably higher. The review highlights vulnerabilities in white matter microstructure and elevated rates of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting areas for future research.
Key findings
- Subjective cognitive complaints were consistently elevated in autistic adults compared to non-autistic peers.
- Most studies found no significant structural or functional differences in neuroimaging between autistic and non-autistic adults.
- Elevated rates of neurodegenerative diseases and sensory impairments were identified in autistic adults.
- Cardiovascular outcomes showed lower hypertension rates but higher rates of severe conditions like heart failure.
Why it matters
Understanding the aging process in autistic adults is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving health outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of the unique vulnerabilities this population faces as they age, particularly regarding cognitive and physical health.
What to keep in mind
The review primarily included studies on autistic adults without intellectual disability, limiting the generalizability of the findings.