Age-Related Effects on Social Cognition in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Possible Protective Effect on Theory of Mind / Esra ZIVRALI YARAR in Autism Research, 14-5 (May 2021)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 14-5 (May 2021) . - p.911-920 Titre : Age-Related Effects on Social Cognition in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Possible Protective Effect on Theory of Mind Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Esra ZIVRALI YARAR, Auteur ; Patricia HOWLIN, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.911-920 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : aging  alexithymia  autism spectrum disorder  cognition  empathy  social  theory of mind Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Impaired social cognition has been suggested to underlie the social communication difficulties that define autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In typical development, social cognition may deteriorate in older age, but age effects in ASD adults have been little explored. In the present study, we compared groups of younger and older adults with and without ASD (n = 97), who completed a set of social cognition tasks assessing theory of mind (ToM), and self-report measures of empathy and alexithymia. While typically developing (TD) younger adults outperformed elderly TD and younger ASD participants, younger and older ASD adults did not differ in their ToM performance, and the elderly ASD and TD groups performed equivalently. By contrast, ASD adults reported lower empathy scores and higher levels of alexithymia symptoms compared to TD adults regardless of age. The difference between ASD and TD groups in self-reported empathy scores was no longer significant when alexithymia was covaried (with the exception of the Perspective Taking subscore). Results suggest a possible age-protective effect on ToM in the ASD group. In addition, empathy difficulties appear to be associated with alexithymia rather than ASD per se. Possible interpretations are discussed, and future directions for autism aging research are proposed. LAY SUMMARY: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with social understanding. Some age-related studies in typical development have shown a decline in social understanding in older age. We investigated whether a similar pattern is present in adults with ASD. We found that understanding what someone is thinking was not worse in older versus younger autistic adults. Also, we reported further evidence suggesting that emotional empathy difficulties were related to difficulties with understanding one's own emotions rather than with autism itself. Autism Res 2021, 14: 911-920. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2410 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=444 [article] Age-Related Effects on Social Cognition in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Possible Protective Effect on Theory of Mind [texte imprimé] / Esra ZIVRALI YARAR, Auteur ; Patricia HOWLIN, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur . - p.911-920. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 14-5 (May 2021) . - p.911-920 Mots-clés : aging  alexithymia  autism spectrum disorder  cognition  empathy  social  theory of mind Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Impaired social cognition has been suggested to underlie the social communication difficulties that define autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In typical development, social cognition may deteriorate in older age, but age effects in ASD adults have been little explored. In the present study, we compared groups of younger and older adults with and without ASD (n = 97), who completed a set of social cognition tasks assessing theory of mind (ToM), and self-report measures of empathy and alexithymia. While typically developing (TD) younger adults outperformed elderly TD and younger ASD participants, younger and older ASD adults did not differ in their ToM performance, and the elderly ASD and TD groups performed equivalently. By contrast, ASD adults reported lower empathy scores and higher levels of alexithymia symptoms compared to TD adults regardless of age. The difference between ASD and TD groups in self-reported empathy scores was no longer significant when alexithymia was covaried (with the exception of the Perspective Taking subscore). Results suggest a possible age-protective effect on ToM in the ASD group. In addition, empathy difficulties appear to be associated with alexithymia rather than ASD per se. Possible interpretations are discussed, and future directions for autism aging research are proposed. LAY SUMMARY: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with social understanding. Some age-related studies in typical development have shown a decline in social understanding in older age. We investigated whether a similar pattern is present in adults with ASD. We found that understanding what someone is thinking was not worse in older versus younger autistic adults. Also, we reported further evidence suggesting that emotional empathy difficulties were related to difficulties with understanding one's own emotions rather than with autism itself. Autism Res 2021, 14: 911-920. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2410 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=444

Aging and autism: Do measures of autism symptoms, co-occurring mental health conditions, or quality of life differ between younger and older autistic adults? / Esra ZÄ+vralÄ+ YARAR in Autism Research, 15-8 (August 2022)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 15-8 (August 2022) . - p.1482-1494 Titre : Aging and autism: Do measures of autism symptoms, co-occurring mental health conditions, or quality of life differ between younger and older autistic adults? Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Esra ZÄ+vralÄ+ YARAR, Auteur ; Amanda ROESTORF, Auteur ; Debbie SPAIN, Auteur ; Patricia HOWLIN, Auteur ; Dermot M. BOWLER, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1482-1494 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Adult  Aging  Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications/epidemiology/psychology  Autistic Disorder/complications/epidemiology/psychology  Cross-Sectional Studies  Humans  Mental Health  Quality of Life/psychology  adults  autism spectrum disorder  quality of life Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Previous research has indicated that autistic adults experience higher rates of co-occurring mental health difficulties and poorer quality of life (QoL) than their non-autistic peers. Little is known, however, about these aspects in older age or whether younger and older autistic adults experience similar patterns This cross-sectional study investigated potential age-related effects on autism symptoms, self-reported mental health, and QoL in younger and older autistic adults (n = 79, aged 19-71years) compared to a non-autistic control group (n = 57) matched for gender, age and IQ. Results showed that autistic adults had higher levels of self-reported autism symptoms and poorer QoL than controls. There were no significant age effects on autism symptoms or on most self-rated mental health symptoms. However, significantly more autistic adults in the younger versus older group scored above the clinical threshold for anxiety, somatoform disorders and eating disorders. Older autistic adults rated social QoL as significantly better than younger autistic adults; there was no significant age difference in the control group. Self-reported QoL was best predicted by self-ratings of severity of depressive symptoms in both groups. Further research is needed to track autism and co-occurring mental health symptomatology across the lifespan, so that service provision can be tailored accordingly. LAY SUMMARY: Young autistic adults have reported more psychological difficulties and poorer quality of life (QoL) than the general population. We investigated whether these difficulties continue into older age. Autism symptoms and mental health problems were common in autistic adults, with no difference between age groups, except for anxiety, physical and eating problems. Although QoL was poorer in both younger and older autistic compared to non-autistic adults, older autistic adults reported better social QoL than those who were younger. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2780 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=483 [article] Aging and autism: Do measures of autism symptoms, co-occurring mental health conditions, or quality of life differ between younger and older autistic adults? [texte imprimé] / Esra ZÄ+vralÄ+ YARAR, Auteur ; Amanda ROESTORF, Auteur ; Debbie SPAIN, Auteur ; Patricia HOWLIN, Auteur ; Dermot M. BOWLER, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur . - p.1482-1494. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 15-8 (August 2022) . - p.1482-1494 Mots-clés : Adult  Aging  Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications/epidemiology/psychology  Autistic Disorder/complications/epidemiology/psychology  Cross-Sectional Studies  Humans  Mental Health  Quality of Life/psychology  adults  autism spectrum disorder  quality of life Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Previous research has indicated that autistic adults experience higher rates of co-occurring mental health difficulties and poorer quality of life (QoL) than their non-autistic peers. Little is known, however, about these aspects in older age or whether younger and older autistic adults experience similar patterns This cross-sectional study investigated potential age-related effects on autism symptoms, self-reported mental health, and QoL in younger and older autistic adults (n = 79, aged 19-71years) compared to a non-autistic control group (n = 57) matched for gender, age and IQ. Results showed that autistic adults had higher levels of self-reported autism symptoms and poorer QoL than controls. There were no significant age effects on autism symptoms or on most self-rated mental health symptoms. However, significantly more autistic adults in the younger versus older group scored above the clinical threshold for anxiety, somatoform disorders and eating disorders. Older autistic adults rated social QoL as significantly better than younger autistic adults; there was no significant age difference in the control group. Self-reported QoL was best predicted by self-ratings of severity of depressive symptoms in both groups. Further research is needed to track autism and co-occurring mental health symptomatology across the lifespan, so that service provision can be tailored accordingly. LAY SUMMARY: Young autistic adults have reported more psychological difficulties and poorer quality of life (QoL) than the general population. We investigated whether these difficulties continue into older age. Autism symptoms and mental health problems were common in autistic adults, with no difference between age groups, except for anxiety, physical and eating problems. Although QoL was poorer in both younger and older autistic compared to non-autistic adults, older autistic adults reported better social QoL than those who were younger. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.2780 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=483

Aging and autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from the broad autism phenotype / Gregory L. WALLACE in Autism Research, 9-12 (December 2016)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 9-12 (December 2016) . - p.1294-1303 Titre : Aging and autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from the broad autism phenotype Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Gregory L. WALLACE, Auteur ; Jessica BUDGETT, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1294-1303 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : broad autism phenotype  autism  aging  older adulthood  executive function  anxiety  depression  social support Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : This study investigated for the first time the broad autism phenotype (BAP) in the context of older adulthood and its associations with real-world executive function, social support, and both depression and anxiety symptomatology. Based on self-ratings of autistic traits, 66 older adults (60+ years old, range = 61–88) were split into BAP (n = 20) and control (n = 46) groups. Individuals in the BAP group, even after controlling for age, education level, sex, and health problems, exhibited more real-world executive function problems in multiple domains, reported lower levels of social support, and self-rated increased depression and anxiety symptomatology compared to the control group. Regression analysis revealed that level of social support was the strongest predictor of BAP traits across both groups, although real-world executive function problems and depression symptomatology were also significant predictors. Moreover, when predicting anxiety and depression symptomatology, BAP traits were the strongest predictors above and beyond the effects of demographic factors, real-world executive function problems, and social support levels. These findings suggest that the BAP in older adulthood imparts additional risks to areas of functioning that are known to be crucial to aging-related outcomes in the context of typical development. These results might in turn inform aging in autism spectrum disorder, which has been largely unexplored to date. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.1620 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=298 [article] Aging and autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from the broad autism phenotype [texte imprimé] / Gregory L. WALLACE, Auteur ; Jessica BUDGETT, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur . - p.1294-1303. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 9-12 (December 2016) . - p.1294-1303 Mots-clés : broad autism phenotype  autism  aging  older adulthood  executive function  anxiety  depression  social support Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : This study investigated for the first time the broad autism phenotype (BAP) in the context of older adulthood and its associations with real-world executive function, social support, and both depression and anxiety symptomatology. Based on self-ratings of autistic traits, 66 older adults (60+ years old, range = 61–88) were split into BAP (n = 20) and control (n = 46) groups. Individuals in the BAP group, even after controlling for age, education level, sex, and health problems, exhibited more real-world executive function problems in multiple domains, reported lower levels of social support, and self-rated increased depression and anxiety symptomatology compared to the control group. Regression analysis revealed that level of social support was the strongest predictor of BAP traits across both groups, although real-world executive function problems and depression symptomatology were also significant predictors. Moreover, when predicting anxiety and depression symptomatology, BAP traits were the strongest predictors above and beyond the effects of demographic factors, real-world executive function problems, and social support levels. These findings suggest that the BAP in older adulthood imparts additional risks to areas of functioning that are known to be crucial to aging-related outcomes in the context of typical development. These results might in turn inform aging in autism spectrum disorder, which has been largely unexplored to date. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aur.1620 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=298

Aging with elevated autistic traits: Cognitive functioning among older adults with the broad autism phenotype / Gavin R. STEWART in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 54 (October 2018)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 54 (October 2018) . - p.27-36 Titre : Aging with elevated autistic traits: Cognitive functioning among older adults with the broad autism phenotype Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Gregory L. WALLACE, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.27-36 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Aging  Broad autism phenotype  Executive function Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Little is known about the impact of aging with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on cognition. As a first step in addressing this gap in our knowledge, the current study examined cognitive functioning among older adults with elevated, but subclinical levels of autistic traits (i.e., the Broad Autism Phenotype; BAP) compared to older adults without the BAP. Method Forty older adults (aged 60–91, M = 73 years) were recruited and classified as meeting criteria for the BAP (n = 20) or not (control older adults, COA; n = 20). Different components of executive function as well as episodic memory were measured using standardized performance-based neuropsychological assessments in addition to a self-report questionnaire of executive function difficulties. Results Despite no differences in age, sex ratio, educational history or IQ, the BAP group demonstrated poorer performance on measures of executive function and episodic memory compared to the COA group. The BAP group also self-reported more executive function difficulties in everyday settings. Moreover, differences in working memory and attentional shifting were maintained after accounting for the influences of IQ and both depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions These findings suggest that aging with the BAP confers additional risk to cognitive function for older adults. As the BAP forms a bridge in the continuum from typical to atypical levels of autistic traits, these findings suggest that individuals with ASD might also incur cognitive costs as they age into older adulthood. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2018.06.009 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=368 [article] Aging with elevated autistic traits: Cognitive functioning among older adults with the broad autism phenotype [texte imprimé] / Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Gregory L. WALLACE, Auteur . - p.27-36. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 54 (October 2018) . - p.27-36 Mots-clés : Aging  Broad autism phenotype  Executive function Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Little is known about the impact of aging with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on cognition. As a first step in addressing this gap in our knowledge, the current study examined cognitive functioning among older adults with elevated, but subclinical levels of autistic traits (i.e., the Broad Autism Phenotype; BAP) compared to older adults without the BAP. Method Forty older adults (aged 60–91, M = 73 years) were recruited and classified as meeting criteria for the BAP (n = 20) or not (control older adults, COA; n = 20). Different components of executive function as well as episodic memory were measured using standardized performance-based neuropsychological assessments in addition to a self-report questionnaire of executive function difficulties. Results Despite no differences in age, sex ratio, educational history or IQ, the BAP group demonstrated poorer performance on measures of executive function and episodic memory compared to the COA group. The BAP group also self-reported more executive function difficulties in everyday settings. Moreover, differences in working memory and attentional shifting were maintained after accounting for the influences of IQ and both depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions These findings suggest that aging with the BAP confers additional risk to cognitive function for older adults. As the BAP forms a bridge in the continuum from typical to atypical levels of autistic traits, these findings suggest that individuals with ASD might also incur cognitive costs as they age into older adulthood. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2018.06.009 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=368

"Bigger lows, but higher highs": A qualitative exploration of the similarities and differences in quality of life of middle-aged and older autistic and non-autistic adults / David HERSHMAN ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON ; Francesca HAPPE ; Gavin R. STEWART in Research in Autism, 123 (May 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 123 (May 2025) . - 202533 Titre : "Bigger lows, but higher highs": A qualitative exploration of the similarities and differences in quality of life of middle-aged and older autistic and non-autistic adults Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : David HERSHMAN, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur Article en page(s) : 202533 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Quality of life  Midlife  Older age  Qualitative Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Autistic adults often report lower subjective quality of life (QoL) than non-autistic adults. Despite older age also often being associated with lower QoL, little is known about the first-hand experiences of, and influences on, QoL for middle-aged and older autistic adults compared with their non-autistic peers. Method Thirty-three participants (autistic n = 15, non-autistic n = 18) aged 50-89 years completed semi-structured interviewed that explored their QoL. Responses were thematically analysed, and themes were compared to identify similarities and differences between groups. Results Both autistic and non-autistic groups reported similar QoL experiences, but with subtle differences. Social support from family and friends was important for both groups. Both noted shrinking social networks with age, but the non-autistic group was often less satisfied with their social lives. Concerns about health and sleep changes were common, but autistic participants often mentioned persistent mental health issues affecting their wellbeing. Autistic individuals also highlighted sensory sensitivities and difficulties with change. Receiving their autism diagnosis was significant for autistic participants, aiding self-acceptance. Acceptance of age-related changes was common in both groups, but the autistic group was more willing to seek support, while the non-autistic group often saw asking for help as losing their independence. Conclusions These findings highlight similarities and differences in aspects relevant to QoL for middle-aged and older autistic and non-autistic adults. While many similarities were found, the autistic group reported subtle differences in their experiences. Experiences such as social connectedness and coping with change could be targeted to improve the QoL of ageing autistic adults. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202533 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=555 [article] "Bigger lows, but higher highs": A qualitative exploration of the similarities and differences in quality of life of middle-aged and older autistic and non-autistic adults [texte imprimé] / David HERSHMAN, Auteur ; Rebecca A. CHARLTON, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur . - 202533. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 123 (May 2025) . - 202533 Mots-clés : Autism  Quality of life  Midlife  Older age  Qualitative Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Autistic adults often report lower subjective quality of life (QoL) than non-autistic adults. Despite older age also often being associated with lower QoL, little is known about the first-hand experiences of, and influences on, QoL for middle-aged and older autistic adults compared with their non-autistic peers. Method Thirty-three participants (autistic n = 15, non-autistic n = 18) aged 50-89 years completed semi-structured interviewed that explored their QoL. Responses were thematically analysed, and themes were compared to identify similarities and differences between groups. Results Both autistic and non-autistic groups reported similar QoL experiences, but with subtle differences. Social support from family and friends was important for both groups. Both noted shrinking social networks with age, but the non-autistic group was often less satisfied with their social lives. Concerns about health and sleep changes were common, but autistic participants often mentioned persistent mental health issues affecting their wellbeing. Autistic individuals also highlighted sensory sensitivities and difficulties with change. Receiving their autism diagnosis was significant for autistic participants, aiding self-acceptance. Acceptance of age-related changes was common in both groups, but the autistic group was more willing to seek support, while the non-autistic group often saw asking for help as losing their independence. Conclusions These findings highlight similarities and differences in aspects relevant to QoL for middle-aged and older autistic and non-autistic adults. While many similarities were found, the autistic group reported subtle differences in their experiences. Experiences such as social connectedness and coping with change could be targeted to improve the QoL of ageing autistic adults. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202533 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=555

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in autistic adults: The impact of sleep quality and antipsychotic medication use / Lauren BISHOP in Autism Research, 16-3 (March 2023)  

Permalink

Cardiovascular risk and emotion regulation contribute to depression symptomatology in middle-aged and older autistic adults / Rebecca A. CHARLTON in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 101 (March 2023)  

Permalink

Demographic and Cognitive Profile of Individuals Seeking a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood / Francesca HAPPE in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46-11 (November 2016)  

Permalink

Exploratory Study of Executive Function Abilities Across the Adult Lifespan in Individuals Receiving an ASD Diagnosis in Adulthood / Patricia ABBOTT in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48-12 (December 2018)  

Permalink

Increased anticholinergic medication use in middle-aged and older autistic adults and its associations with self-reported memory difficulties and cognitive decline / Goldie A. MCQUAID in Autism Research, 17-4 (April 2024)  

Permalink

“It feels like holding back something you need to say”: Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults accounts of sensory experiences and stimming / Rebecca A. CHARLTON in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 89 (November 2021)  

Permalink

Predictors of sleep quality for autistic people across adulthood / Rebecca A. CHARLTON in Autism Research, 16-4 (April 2023)  

Permalink

Repetitive Behaviours in Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults: Associations with Sensory Sensitivity and Impact on Self-Efficacy / Gabrielle NWAORDU in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54-11 (November)  

Permalink

Self-harm and Suicidality Experiences of Middle-Age and Older Adults With vs. Without High Autistic Traits / Gavin R. STEWART in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53-8 (August 2023)  

Permalink

Self-reported cognitive decline among middle and older age autistic adults / Claire B. KLEIN in Autism Research, 16-3 (March 2023)  

Permalink

---

1 2 (1 - 15 / 20) Par page : 25 50 100 200