Neurodiversity in older adults: An ‘ignored population’ needing support
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The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has highlighted a critical gap in understanding and supporting neurodiversity among older Australians.
During their annual “Conversations on Ageing,” experts emphasised the urgent need for research and improved support for older adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Professor Sandra Thom-Jones, an autistic advocate and academic, described older adults with autism as an “ignored population.” She highlighted the challenges faced by this group, particularly in healthcare settings: “We know that the health care system is a huge issue for autistic people. When I have a medical symptom, I find it difficult to understand how I’m feeling and then to be able to explain that to a doctor.”
“Then the doctor asks me questions in a way that’s not how I communicate as an autistic person. We don’t understand the question. We give the wrong answer. And so we’re sent away without a solution to our problem.”
Professor Mark Bellgrove, a cognitive neuroscientist, pointed out the lack of data on ADHD in older adults: “We have very little data regarding the precise prevalence of adults with ADHD. So this is really a big issue for us in Australia because we’re having a dawning recognition that ADHD is not just an issue for kids – it’s a lifelong presentation.”
Both experts stressed the importance of involving older neurodiverse individuals in research. Professor Bellgrove stated, “I think the first thing we have to do is actually ask older Australians with ADHD what their experience is and what their priorities are, either in terms of their unmet needs but also in terms of research.”
Professor Thom-Jones added, “The experience of older autistic adults is absent across so many different service providers, individuals, community groups – it’s just not there.”
The discussion also touched on the compounded discrimination faced by older neurodiverse individuals and the need for tailored approaches to healthy ageing for this population.
NARI is keen to partner with government agencies, advocacy groups and health and aged care organisations to conduct translational research to improve the lives of older neurodiverse individuals.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
