Ageing and Autism: A BIG conversation

We created a space for older autistic people to share their worries and their hopes about their lives in the hope of building a conversation around what it means to be growing older as an autistic person. We asked a few of our autistic associates and contacts to write ‘conversation starters’ explaining what matters to them and the issues that need to be addressed to help older autistic people live happier lives. In some cases, they offer possible solutions.

Ageing and Autism Conversation Starters Explained

Read a conversation starter

Working environments & the Autism “Epidemic”

I was diagnosed as autistic (Asperger’s Syndrome) in October 2015, shortly before my 51st birthday. Up until this point I had absolutely no idea that I was autistic.

The biggest emotional struggle one has as a disabled parent is fear

When an ageing disabled parent has both themselves and their autistic offspring to worry about, fear increases as one ages

Making it to older age against the odds

Over the past couple of years, while living through a pandemic, many people around the UK have had to contend with a growing sense of loneliness.

Contemplating autistic supported living

When I was a child and struggling to cope in the inhospitable world, I had a dream about what my house would look like, when I was old enough to make my own decisions.

The bewilderment of a very late autism diagnosis

I was born autistic, but because I didn't know, I’d never understood what it was about me that always set me apart.

Autistic Elders: Wisdom and Society

In a world taught to think of autistic people as male children & adolescents, allegedly destined for a lifetime as costly burdens on parents and society, we have arguably lost sight of the majority of autistic people