Supporting Seniors with ASD | Autism Spectrum Disorders

By Mary Hannah Camille Capistrano

One of the biggest concerns with growing older is the various health issues that can impact a person's physical and mental health. For seniors with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this concern is made major by disparities in the quality of their healthcare [1]. It is important for family members and loved ones to assist their seniors living with ASD to know the signs of aging-related medical conditions, as they will be vital to the advocacy and attention to their medical care. 

Around the age of 40, those with ASD are at risk of developing new age-related conditions that need additional attention [2]. This article aims to inform people how to recognize when seniors with ASD are developing conditions related to their age, as well as how to support seniors with ASD as they adapt to new behaviors. Seniors with ASD may experience different conditions and treatments than seniors without ASD, and it is important to recognize what to look out for and how to support seniors with age-related conditions and ASD. 

Firstly, it is important to note that research regarding seniors with ASD is an ongoing process in the medical world. Just as it is vital for people to remain informed of health matters and how to support others who may experience conditions that can change pre-existing behaviors, certain practices and their effectiveness will vary from person to person. Age-related conditions such as dementia and Parkinson's disease can impact each person differently, especially for those living with ASD. While it is important to know the signs and the common support avenues available to provide the best care for seniors with ASD, what is observed and found effective in supporting others may not be covered extensively in this article. However, this article aims to support seniors with ASD, their family, and loved ones by calling to attention what they can expect and expert methodologies to deliver attentive care.

Recognizing Physical and Mental Health Conditions from Aging

Individuals with ASD are more likely to experience dementia and Parkinson's disease [3]. Typically, signs of dementia and Parkinson's can be observed as early as the age of 40 for individuals with ASD [4]. Additionally, Parkinson's disease in particular is frequently observed with adults with preexisting ASD [6]. Signs of dementia with autistic seniors can look like forgetfulness, performing repetitive actions, increased difficulty with communications, and increased need for assistance with daily activities [5].  Some symptoms of dementia can be confused for pre-existing conditions by a senior's ASD, so it is important to observe behaviors and check for any recent developments that are out of the ordinary for a senior with ASD. Additionally, consulting with medical professionals on the possibility of dementia can provide more information about whether or not a senior may be developing dementia at their age. 

It can be hard to come to terms with a senior with ASD that you know is beginning to develop dementia or Parkinson's, but it is overall beneficial to their health to be aware and take action once signs develop. Once it is established that a senior with ASD is developing dementia, it is important to establish care plans for them to continue living at the highest quality of life possible. 

Care plans for physical conditions for seniors with ASD and age-related conditions are important in ensuring a high quality of life for seniors as they begin to transition into another phase in life. Physical health conditions for seniors with ASD commonly show for seniors at age 65 or older [6]. The most common physical health conditions included osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and osteoarthritis [6]. For seniors with the capability to communicate their developing health conditions, it is important to relate their concerns to their primary physician. Likewise, for seniors with ASD who depend on family members and loved ones to relate medical conditions to professionals, it is important to advocate properly for the health of those with ASD. It is important for individuals with ASD to have a proper line of communication between themselves and their physician, as they are at more risk for developing age-related conditions and need individualized care. 

How to Support Physical and Mental Health Conditions in Seniors with ASD

Certain environmental factors and practices can be accounted for in a person's care to continue providing them with a high level of quality care. Family members and loved ones can take on caretaker roles to ensure that their seniors with ASD engage in a social and stimulating environment, as this is important to the health of those who live with dementia or Parkinson's disease. A social environment could include an hour of social interaction per week, or creating a social schedule for seniors. A care regimen that lacks frequent and consistent social interaction can further cognitive impairment from dementia, which could cause distress and harm to a senior with ASD [7]. 

Furthermore, a care regimen that accounts for a senior's physical health would be greatly beneficial for a senior with ASD. Schedules and consistent treatment can be adapted to a person's individual needs, and can help them adapt to their new age-related conditions. However, a care regimen should have some flexibility rather than follow one schedule for the duration of the senior's care. It is important that the care regimen addresses a person's needs, while being flexible enough for a person to not feel like their schedule is being monotonous. A monotonous schedule that dictates a person's actions can prove to be harmful and not as effective for seniors with or without ASD [8]. 

While taking care of seniors with ASD, it is always important to remember that their needs are individualized to their conditions. Caretakers should put an effort in taking note of effective care for seniors with ASD, while working with healthcare professionals continuously to provide care as conditions develop. Not only will seniors with ASD experience a fulfilling life with care that adapts to their age-related needs, but research for seniors with ASD can improve with more records of adaptive care. Physical conditions from aging can appear differently in seniors with ASD, and their care can be different from seniors without ASD. 

A major responsibility of becoming a caretaker for seniors with ASD is acknowledging the developments of the senior, and knowing when to ask for help. The role of a senior caretaker can be a different experience from taking care of a child or an adult with ASD. As a senior with ASD can grow older, their behaviors may experience changes that are unfamiliar to those who have been with the senior for a long amount of time. As part of a care plan, it may be worth considering hiring additional help with experience taking care of seniors and seniors with ASD. 

Conclusion

Aging is an intimidating change that everyone faces, but there is no need for aging to be seen as a negative or scary change, especially for seniors with ASD. With proper care and expectation for change, seniors with ASD can enjoy seniorhood alongside their family, loved ones, and caretakers. It can be difficult to navigate changes without much guidance, especially as care for seniors with ASD isn't as well researched as other age groups with ASD. It is important to advocate for people's care, and be open to individualized care steps for seniors with ASD. Everyone deserves the right to live with dignity, especially as they grow older and need additional support with their conditions, age-related or otherwise. 

Sources

[1] Hamdan, Samar Z, and Amanda Bennett. “Autism-Friendly Healthcare: A Narrative Review of the Literature.” Cureus vol. 16,7 e64108. 8 Jul. 2024, doi:10.7759/cureus.64108

[2] Shengxin Liu, Henrik Larsson, Ralf Kuja-Halkola, Paul Lichtenstein, Agnieszka Butwicka, Mark J Taylor, Age-related physical health of older autistic adults in Sweden: a longitudinal, retrospective, population-based cohort study, The Lancet Healthy Longevity, Volume 4, Issue 7, 2023, Pages e307-e315, ISSN 2666-7568, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00067-3

[3] Vivanti G, Lee W, Ventimiglia J, Tao S, Lyall K, Shea LL. Prevalence of Dementia Among US Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2453691. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53691

[4] Vivanti G, Lee W, Ventimiglia J, Tao S, Lyall K, Shea LL. Prevalence of Dementia Among US Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2453691. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53691

[5] “Autism and Dementia.” Dementia UK, 9 Feb. 2026, https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/autism-and-dementia/. Accessed 9 Sept. 2026.

[6] Hand, Brittany N et al. “Prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in Medicare-enrolled, autistic older adults.” Autism : the international journal of research and practice vol. 24,3 (2020): 755-764. doi:10.1177/1362361319890793

[7] University of Exeter. "Dementia care improved by just one hour of social interaction each week." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 February 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180206140653.htm>.

[8] O'Conor, Rachel et al. “Daily Routine: Associations With Health Status and Urgent Health Care Utilization Among Older Adults.” The Gerontologist vol. 59,5 (2019): 947-955. doi:10.1093/geront/gny117