April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and understanding about this neurological and developmental disorder that affects 75 million people across the globe. While that number is 1% of the global population, it’s important to recognize how this disorder affects people, what it actually means, and how April is used to raise awareness and increase understanding.
While autism is often associated with children, it is important to recognize that autism is a lifelong condition that affects people of all ages, including older adults. To go into April the right way, learning more about Autism could be a great start and even a way to open your eyes to someone else’s challenges.
Knowing What Autism Is
So what exactly is autism? Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. The term “spectrum” refers to the fact that there is a wide range of symptoms and severities of autism, with some individuals having mild symptoms and others possibly having more significant challenges.
One of the reasons that Autism Awareness Month is so important is that there is still a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding autism. Some people still believe that autism is caused by bad parenting or vaccines, which has been thoroughly debunked by scientific research. By raising awareness and educating the public about the true nature of autism, we can help to dispel harmful myths, break down barriers for those with autism, and promote acceptance and understanding.
Autism in Older Adults
When it comes to autism in older adults, there are some unique challenges that need to be addressed. For example, it’s very common for a toddler to receive an autism diagnosis in comparison to an older adult. Many older adults with autism may not have been diagnosed until later in life, which means they may not have received the appropriate support and interventions earlier on.
It’s also not uncommon for older adults that actually have autism to go completely undiagnosed. Additionally, as people with autism age, especially if they are unaware of their condition, they may experience new or worsening symptoms, which can be difficult to manage without proper support.
Keep in mind though, autism isn’t a disorder that’s progressive or presents with symptoms that worsen over time. While this is something that usually manifests at an earlier age, it is very possible to reach an adult age without knowing that you may be on the autism spectrum and symptoms also differ from person to person.
Being Aware of the Challenges
One of the key challenges for older adults with autism is social interaction. Older adults with autism may sometimes struggle with social skills and may have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships. Because of this, it’s important to help older adults with autism stay connected and engaged with their communities, whether that be through social activities, support groups, or other forms of engagement.
Another challenge for older adults with autism is accessing appropriate healthcare if they are actually unaware of what should or shouldn’t be treated. There may also be other challenges present such as;
- Ability to perform daily activities
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Mood instability
- Problems sleeping
- Problem-solving
Additionally, you also have to realize that autism is not as simple as it may seem. It’s a disorder that is complex to understand and for older adults, it could be easier to misdiagnose or give an inappropriate treatment. This is often due to inexperience or no familiarity with autism symptoms which may be harder to pinpoint as someone ages.
For this reason, autism awareness month exists and shows why it’s so important to advocate for loved ones or anyone that you know with autism and to seek out healthcare providers who have experience working with people with this particular disorder.
Treatment, Coping, and Understanding
It’s actually been found that as a child ages, their symptoms (in some cases) decrease in severity. While severity reduction with age won’t look the same for everyone, the experience may differ as well. This could be because children that receive a diagnosis at a young age gain those much-needed coping skills early on and learn how to live how they wish alongside their disorder. An older adult may miss out on these fundamentals because they never knew that they needed them.
When it comes to treatment and support for older adults with autism, there are a variety of options available. Some people may benefit from behavioral therapy, which can help to improve social skills and communication. Others may benefit from medications to manage symptoms. Overall, it’s important for caregivers and loved ones to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets the unique needs of the individual that suffers from autism.
In addition to medical treatment, there are also a variety of support services available for older adults with autism. These may include support groups, vocational training, and community-based programs that provide opportunities for social engagement and skill-building. There are also a variety of therapies used to help those with autism such as;
- Anger management
- Family therapy
- Applied behavior analysis
- Behavior therapy
- Animal-Assisted therapy
With the wide range of options that are available, it’s essential for friends, family, and care teams to explore all of the available resources and to advocate for their loved ones to ensure they receive the support they need.
Doing Your Part
Autism Awareness Month is an important time to raise awareness and understanding about this disorder, especially as it relates to older adults. This disorder affects the way someone is able to communicate and interact with others and by promoting acceptance and understanding, we can help to reduce the stigma surrounding autism and ensure that people with the disorder receive the support and care they need to thrive.
If you or someone you love is affected by autism, be sure to explore all available resources and support options to ensure the best possible outcomes for those that you care about. You can even reach out to the Autism Society if you want to learn more about the support options you’d have.
