7 recherche sur le mot-clé 'midlife'

Career patterns of adults with autism through late midlife / Emily J. HICKEY in Research in Autism, 133 (May 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 133 (May 2026) . - p.202909 Titre : Career patterns of adults with autism through late midlife Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Emily J. HICKEY, Auteur ; Leann Smith DAWALT, Auteur ; Katherine SZIDON, Auteur ; Julie Lounds TAYLOR, Auteur ; Marsha R. MAILICK, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.202909 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Employment  Career  Adulthood  Midlife Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Little is known about the long-term careers of adults with autism. Here we report the employment patterns of adults with autism based on their engagement in distinct categories of employment (agency-based, supported, and competitive employment) from young adulthood through midlife. Persistent patterns of unemployment or unstable employment were also tracked across these life stages. The current study drew data from a longitudinal study of adults with autism and their families, and focused on those for whom at least four points of data were available on employment after high school exit across an average of 14 years (n = 217 adults with autism; 155 with intellectual disability [ID], 62 without ID; average age of the autistic adults at their first available time point after high school exit was 26.23 (SD=7.14), range: 18–48; and, at their final available time point was 40.94 (SD=8.97), range: 25–68). Five mutually-exclusive career categories emerged from a consensus coding process: 1) Primarily unemployed (16% of the sample); 2) Primarily agency-based employment (48%); 3) Primarily supported employment (11%); 4) Primarily competitive employment (12%); and 5) Unstable employment (13%). Descriptive results suggest that adults with autism who do not have ID may be at particular risk for unemployment (23%) or unstable patterns of employment (20%), although nearly the same percentage had sustained competitive employment (37%), while those who had ID often had an agency support system that helped maintain engagement in work (64%). Our study can inform employment expectations and planning for adults with autism, their family members, and vocational and transition support staff. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202909 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=585 [article] Career patterns of adults with autism through late midlife [texte imprimé] / Emily J. HICKEY, Auteur ; Leann Smith DAWALT, Auteur ; Katherine SZIDON, Auteur ; Julie Lounds TAYLOR, Auteur ; Marsha R. MAILICK, Auteur . - p.202909. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 133 (May 2026) . - p.202909 Mots-clés : Autism  Employment  Career  Adulthood  Midlife Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Little is known about the long-term careers of adults with autism. Here we report the employment patterns of adults with autism based on their engagement in distinct categories of employment (agency-based, supported, and competitive employment) from young adulthood through midlife. Persistent patterns of unemployment or unstable employment were also tracked across these life stages. The current study drew data from a longitudinal study of adults with autism and their families, and focused on those for whom at least four points of data were available on employment after high school exit across an average of 14 years (n = 217 adults with autism; 155 with intellectual disability [ID], 62 without ID; average age of the autistic adults at their first available time point after high school exit was 26.23 (SD=7.14), range: 18–48; and, at their final available time point was 40.94 (SD=8.97), range: 25–68). Five mutually-exclusive career categories emerged from a consensus coding process: 1) Primarily unemployed (16% of the sample); 2) Primarily agency-based employment (48%); 3) Primarily supported employment (11%); 4) Primarily competitive employment (12%); and 5) Unstable employment (13%). Descriptive results suggest that adults with autism who do not have ID may be at particular risk for unemployment (23%) or unstable patterns of employment (20%), although nearly the same percentage had sustained competitive employment (37%), while those who had ID often had an agency support system that helped maintain engagement in work (64%). Our study can inform employment expectations and planning for adults with autism, their family members, and vocational and transition support staff. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202909 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=585

Distinguishing midlife and old age: A recommendation for autism researchers / Gavin R. STEWART in Autism, 30-3 (March 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 30-3 (March 2026) . - p.834-836 Titre : Distinguishing midlife and old age: A recommendation for autism researchers Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.834-836 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autism  midlife  old age Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research on ageing in autism has sharply increased following a number of influential publications that highlighted the lack of knowledge in this area. However, much of the research on autism ageing has inadvertently treated all people aged over 50 as a homogeneous ‘older adult’ group, overlooking important distinctions between midlife (40–64 years) and old age (65+ years). Midlife is marked by complex role management, career pressures, health changes and identity development, while old age often involves retirement, shifts in priorities, physical and cognitive changes, and planning for less independent living. Recognising midlife and old age as distinct life phases is essential to accurately characterise the lived experiences and needs of autistic adults across the latter part of the lifespan. This letter makes conceptual and methodological suggestions that autism researchers should align with established ageing frameworks by labelling samples accurately, using appropriate keywords and, where possible, stratifying analyses by age subgroup. Doing so will enhance research accuracy, improve indexing and increase clinical relevance. This shift is vital for advancing autism ageing research and ensuring findings reflect the diverse experiences of autistic adults throughout later life.Lay Abstract Research on autism and ageing has increased a lot in recent years. However, many studies group everyone over the age of 50 as part of the same ‘older adult’ group. This overlooks the fact that people in midlife (ages 40–64) and those in old age (65 and older) often face very different experiences, challenges and opportunities. Recognising that midlife and old age are separate stages of life is important for understanding what autistic adults go through as they age. This letter encourages autism researchers to be more specific when describing age groups in their studies. By doing this, research on autism and ageing will be more accurate, easier to find and more useful for researchers, healthcare professionals and autistic people alike. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251396316 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=582 [article] Distinguishing midlife and old age: A recommendation for autism researchers [texte imprimé] / Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur . - p.834-836. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 30-3 (March 2026) . - p.834-836 Mots-clés : autism  midlife  old age Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research on ageing in autism has sharply increased following a number of influential publications that highlighted the lack of knowledge in this area. However, much of the research on autism ageing has inadvertently treated all people aged over 50 as a homogeneous ‘older adult’ group, overlooking important distinctions between midlife (40–64 years) and old age (65+ years). Midlife is marked by complex role management, career pressures, health changes and identity development, while old age often involves retirement, shifts in priorities, physical and cognitive changes, and planning for less independent living. Recognising midlife and old age as distinct life phases is essential to accurately characterise the lived experiences and needs of autistic adults across the latter part of the lifespan. This letter makes conceptual and methodological suggestions that autism researchers should align with established ageing frameworks by labelling samples accurately, using appropriate keywords and, where possible, stratifying analyses by age subgroup. Doing so will enhance research accuracy, improve indexing and increase clinical relevance. This shift is vital for advancing autism ageing research and ensuring findings reflect the diverse experiences of autistic adults throughout later life.Lay Abstract Research on autism and ageing has increased a lot in recent years. However, many studies group everyone over the age of 50 as part of the same ‘older adult’ group. This overlooks the fact that people in midlife (ages 40–64) and those in old age (65 and older) often face very different experiences, challenges and opportunities. Recognising that midlife and old age are separate stages of life is important for understanding what autistic adults go through as they age. This letter encourages autism researchers to be more specific when describing age groups in their studies. By doing this, research on autism and ageing will be more accurate, easier to find and more useful for researchers, healthcare professionals and autistic people alike. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251396316 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=582

Theory of Mind Mediates the Association Between Autistic Traits and Social Isolation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults / Clemie DALE ; Francesca HAPPE ; Gavin R. STEWART in Autism Research, 18-6 (June 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism Research > 18-6 (June 2025) . - p.1234-1244 Titre : Theory of Mind Mediates the Association Between Autistic Traits and Social Isolation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Clemie DALE, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1234-1244 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : aging  autism  autistic traits  midlife  older age  social connectedness  social isolation  theory of mind Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : ABSTRACT Social isolation has detrimental effects on wellbeing. While isolation can occur at any age, its prevalence has been found to increase in older adulthood. Populations with social functioning differences, such as autistic people, have also been found to be at particular risk of isolation across the lifespan, including in older age. Despite the widespread impacts of isolation, little is known about the underlying factors that may contribute to social isolation in autistic people and the general populations. While social isolation has been linked to autistic traits and theory of mind (ToM), no study has yet considered their inter-relationship. Taking a dimensional approach to autistic traits, this study examined the association between autistic traits (assessed by the AQ-10), ToM (CarToM and Frith?Happé Triangles) and social isolation (Lubben Social Connectedness Scale) among 111 adults (n 53 autistic, 58 non-autistic), aged 40 86 years. The study also assessed the putative mediating role of ToM in the association between autistic traits and isolation. Pearson correlational analyses showed middle-aged and older adults with higher social connectedness reported fewer autistic traits and showed better performance in ToM tasks, even when accounting for the effect of age and mental health symptoms. Mediation analyses suggested the association between autistic traits and social isolation was partially mediated by ToM when age and mental health symptoms were accounted for. These findings suggest one possible mechanism for the experience of social isolation. Additionally, the findings highlight that autistic people and people with high autistic traits may be particularly susceptible to social isolation in midlife and older age, and may benefit from additional support and possible interventions to maintain desired levels of social connectedness in later life. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.70036 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=558 [article] Theory of Mind Mediates the Association Between Autistic Traits and Social Isolation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults [texte imprimé] / Clemie DALE, Auteur ; Francesca HAPPE, Auteur ; Gavin R. STEWART, Auteur . - p.1234-1244. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism Research > 18-6 (June 2025) . - p.1234-1244 Mots-clés : aging  autism  autistic traits  midlife  older age  social connectedness  social isolation  theory of mind Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : ABSTRACT Social isolation has detrimental effects on wellbeing. While isolation can occur at any age, its prevalence has been found to increase in older adulthood. Populations with social functioning differences, such as autistic people, have also been found to be at particular risk of isolation across the lifespan, including in older age. Despite the widespread impacts of isolation, little is known about the underlying factors that may contribute to social isolation in autistic people and the general populations. While social isolation has been linked to autistic traits and theory of mind (ToM), no study has yet considered their inter-relationship. Taking a dimensional approach to autistic traits, this study examined the association between autistic traits (assessed by the AQ-10), ToM (CarToM and Frith?Happé Triangles) and social isolation (Lubben Social Connectedness Scale) among 111 adults (n 53 autistic, 58 non-autistic), aged 40 86 years. The study also assessed the putative mediating role of ToM in the association between autistic traits and isolation. Pearson correlational analyses showed middle-aged and older adults with higher social connectedness reported fewer autistic traits and showed better performance in ToM tasks, even when accounting for the effect of age and mental health symptoms. Mediation analyses suggested the association between autistic traits and social isolation was partially mediated by ToM when age and mental health symptoms were accounted for. These findings suggest one possible mechanism for the experience of social isolation. Additionally, the findings highlight that autistic people and people with high autistic traits may be particularly susceptible to social isolation in midlife and older age, and may benefit from additional support and possible interventions to maintain desired levels of social connectedness in later life. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.70036 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=558

"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

How do autistic adults experience ageing? A qualitative interview study / Rebecca AITKEN in Autism, 30-4 (April 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 30-4 (April 2026) . - p.1047-1061 Titre : How do autistic adults experience ageing? A qualitative interview study Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Rebecca AITKEN, Auteur ; Katherine BERRY, Auteur ; Emma GOWEN, Auteur ; Laura J.E. BROWN, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1047-1061 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : ageing well  autism  midlife  old age  qualitative research  support needs Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : The aim of this study was to understand middle-aged and older autistic adults’ views and experiences of ageing and their associated health and social care needs. Seventeen autistic adults (10 women and seven men) aged 46–72 years were recruited via convenience and snowball sampling strategies and interviewed via Zoom or telephone call about what it means to age well; their age-related needs; and how services could better support them to age well. Semi-structured interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified. These reflected: (1) possibilities and fears around ageing; (2) adaptive strategies when facing age-related changes; (3) understanding and acceptance of autism for a more positive experience of ageing; (4) social relationships as important for supporting ageing and (5) formal support for ageing needing to be autism-informed. The findings highlight a need for increasing societal knowledge about ageing with autism, and for improved services to support this. We provide a set of recommendations for professionals working with autistic adults. These include involving autistic people in the design of health and social care services; ensuring that services are trauma-informed and strength-focused; and providing peer support to help autistic people navigate and access services.Lay abstract What was the purpose of this study?The purpose of this study was to understand middle-aged and older autistic adults’ views and experiences of ageing well, their age-related needs, and how services could better support them to age well.Why is this an important issue?Very little research explains how autistic people experience ageing. It is important to know more about this to ensure that health and social services know how to best support ageing autistic people to live happier and healthier lives.What did the researchers do?We interviewed 17 middle-to-older autistic adults (10 females, 46–72 years) via Zoom or telephone. We typed up participant’s responses and looked for common themes within the data.What were the results of the study?Participants felt that links between autism and ageing were poorly understood, and that autistic adults may have a higher risk of certain age-related conditions such as dementia. Participants also felt their autistic characteristics and experiences were changing with age.This study also revealed that current ageing support is generally felt to be incompatible with autistic adults’ characteristics. This incompatibility was linked to professionals not understanding autistic characteristics, and services being difficult to access. A hub-based model was proposed involving flexible and responsive peer and specialist support options.How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?This study raises the profile of the needs of ageing autistic adults. We have created a set of recommendations that will contribute to professionals’ understanding of autistic adults’ views on ageing well, their age-related support needs, and how to adapt service provision accordingly. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613261422937 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=584 [article] How do autistic adults experience ageing? A qualitative interview study [texte imprimé] / Rebecca AITKEN, Auteur ; Katherine BERRY, Auteur ; Emma GOWEN, Auteur ; Laura J.E. BROWN, Auteur . - p.1047-1061. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 30-4 (April 2026) . - p.1047-1061 Mots-clés : ageing well  autism  midlife  old age  qualitative research  support needs Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : The aim of this study was to understand middle-aged and older autistic adults’ views and experiences of ageing and their associated health and social care needs. Seventeen autistic adults (10 women and seven men) aged 46–72 years were recruited via convenience and snowball sampling strategies and interviewed via Zoom or telephone call about what it means to age well; their age-related needs; and how services could better support them to age well. Semi-structured interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified. These reflected: (1) possibilities and fears around ageing; (2) adaptive strategies when facing age-related changes; (3) understanding and acceptance of autism for a more positive experience of ageing; (4) social relationships as important for supporting ageing and (5) formal support for ageing needing to be autism-informed. The findings highlight a need for increasing societal knowledge about ageing with autism, and for improved services to support this. We provide a set of recommendations for professionals working with autistic adults. These include involving autistic people in the design of health and social care services; ensuring that services are trauma-informed and strength-focused; and providing peer support to help autistic people navigate and access services.Lay abstract What was the purpose of this study?The purpose of this study was to understand middle-aged and older autistic adults’ views and experiences of ageing well, their age-related needs, and how services could better support them to age well.Why is this an important issue?Very little research explains how autistic people experience ageing. It is important to know more about this to ensure that health and social services know how to best support ageing autistic people to live happier and healthier lives.What did the researchers do?We interviewed 17 middle-to-older autistic adults (10 females, 46–72 years) via Zoom or telephone. We typed up participant’s responses and looked for common themes within the data.What were the results of the study?Participants felt that links between autism and ageing were poorly understood, and that autistic adults may have a higher risk of certain age-related conditions such as dementia. Participants also felt their autistic characteristics and experiences were changing with age.This study also revealed that current ageing support is generally felt to be incompatible with autistic adults’ characteristics. This incompatibility was linked to professionals not understanding autistic characteristics, and services being difficult to access. A hub-based model was proposed involving flexible and responsive peer and specialist support options.How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?This study raises the profile of the needs of ageing autistic adults. We have created a set of recommendations that will contribute to professionals’ understanding of autistic adults’ views on ageing well, their age-related support needs, and how to adapt service provision accordingly. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613261422937 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=584

Longitudinal Association Between Social Support and Quality of Life Among Middle-Aged and Older Autistic Adults / Wei SONG in Autism, 30-6 (June 2026)  

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‘A New Pace of Life’: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Retirement Plans, Preparations and Experiences in Middle-Aged and Older Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults / Zuzanna KOWALCZYK in Autism, 30-5 (May 2026)  

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