Latest Autism News Highlights Hidden Crisis of Undiagnosed Autism in Over-50s: Thousands of Older Autistic Adults in the UK Have Gone Undiagnosed
Study Reveals Nearly 90% of Autistic Adults Over 40 Remain Undiagnosed in the UK
A Hidden Crisis: Autism Going Undiagnosed in Older Adults
A new review published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology by researchers at King’s College London has uncovered a startling reality: as many as 89% of autistic people aged 40–59, and 97% of those aged over 60, are undiagnosed in the UK.
This means that tens of thousands of people have lived most of their lives without recognition or the tailored support they need.
The consequences of late or missed diagnosis are serious.
Research shows that autistic adults face disproportionately high rates of physical and mental health challenges compared to non-autistic adults.
Key issues include:
Poor physical and mental health, including cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and dementia.
Shortened life expectancy, with autistic people living on average six years fewer than non-autistic peers.
Social isolation and distress, particularly during major life transitions such as retirement or moving into residential care.
Early diagnosis is therefore vital to ensure the right support and improved outcomes.
What Needs to Change
The King’s College London review calls for:
Increased awareness amongst GPs, social workers, and care professionals about autism across the lifespan.
Accessible diagnostic services for adults of all ages.
Tailored post-diagnostic support, so individuals are not left to struggle after identification.
Inclusion of older autistic voices in shaping research and services.
But perhaps the most powerful step we can take is ensuring the next generation does not face the same barriers.
That means making early support widely available to families when they first notice differences or struggles.
Why an Autistic Diagnosis Still Matters in Later Life
For many older autistic people, a diagnosis can be life-changing.
It brings clarity and often relief, validates lived experience, and opens the door to crucial resources.
Dr Gavin Stewart, co-lead of King’s Re:Spect Lab, explains: “A diagnosis can be transformative, enabling access to resources that older people may never previously have been able to draw upon.”
A clear diagnosis and thorough understanding of autism in later life helps to:
Reduce barriers to healthcare and ensure needs are met.
Guide families in advocating effectively for support.
Prevent misdiagnosis of related health conditions.
Provide a foundation for community connection and well-being.
How Early Autism Support Could Change Futures
While diagnosis is important at all ages, early Autism Support can prevent many of these challenges.
With the right tools in place, early support can prevent life-long struggles that arise from the ongoing difficulties that come with trying to live in a neurotypical world as a neurodiverse adult. It is particularly hard because we live in a world that doesn’t necessarily fully understand the complexity and depth of the autism spectrum.
There must be greater support available for undiagnosed autistic children and young people before gaps in recognition widen into lifelong struggles.
That’s why at All Behaviour Consultancy (ABC), we have developed our Early Autism Support Programme.
This accessible, online programme is designed to provide families with clear, evidence-based autism support strategies as soon as concerns arise -ideally before a formal diagnosis.
Key benefits of Early Autism Support include:
Faster progress when started early: Studies show children who receive autism support in their early years often develop language, social, and daily living skills more quickly than those who start later.
Preventing missed opportunities: Early support helps children take advantage of critical developmental windows, reducing the risk of falling behind in school or social settings.
Lifelong impact: The right strategies introduced early can set the stage for greater independence, resilience, and mental well-being in later life.
Accessible and flexible for families: Delivered online with flexible payment options, the programme ensures no family has to wait for help, no matter where they live in the UK.
In just a few compassionate ABA therapy sessions, parents can gain skills that make everyday life calmer, more predictable, and more positive for their autistic child.
Final Thoughts
Autism doesn’t disappear with age. The recent review highlights a hidden crisis - one where thousands of older autistic adults have been overlooked for decades.
It also highlights the value of early Autism support: with the right guidance in place, families can make sure that their child today does not face the same challenges as many others have done in the past.
If you’re looking for a compassionate and practical starting point, our Early Autism Support Programme could help your family take those vital first steps.
👉 Learn more here: Early Autism Support Programme
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👉Book a free consultation with one of our ABA Consultants here, or contact us in our online form below.
