Results that Transform
The Ageing-Autism project will deliver two key results:
A clearly defined professional profile for those supporting autistic individuals through the ageing process.
A methodological and training proposal, tested and validated through a pilot training program.
This training will equip professionals—both current and future—with the tools and knowledge needed to provide meaningful, person-centred support to ageing autistic individuals.
RESULTS Activity 2 - Research & Best Practices
Activity 2 | Research & Best Practices on Autism and Ageing:
Activity 2 of the AGEing-Autism project (November 2024 – February 2025) focused on research and the identification of best practices to better understand how autistic people experience ageing across Europe.
This activity provides the evidence base for the development of professional training in the next phases of the project.
Why this activity was carried out
Although autism is a lifelong condition, most research, services and professional training models still focus on childhood or early adulthood. As autistic people age, they often face increased health, social and participation challenges, while support systems remain poorly adapted to their needs.
Activity 2 was designed to address this gap by building a structured and reliable knowledge base on autism and ageing at European level.
What was done
Between November 2024 and February 2025, the project partners carried out a structured research and mapping process across Europe.
- Literature review on autism and ageing
- Mapping of existing services and support models
- Identification of best practices
- Comparative analysis of gaps and needs
Key results
The research highlighted recurring challenges faced by ageing autistic adults across different European contexts:
- Higher prevalence of physical and mental health conditions
- Increased social isolation and reduced community participation
- Limited availability of autism-informed ageing services
- Lack of specialised professional training
Best practices and promising approaches
Despite the gaps identified, the research also revealed promising practices already being implemented in different European contexts, demonstrating that more inclusive ageing pathways are possible.
- Healthcare adaptation
- Community-based support
- Housing and independent living
- Employment and participation
- Use of digital tools
How these results will be used
The outcomes of Activity 2 form the evidence base for the next project activities. They will support the definition of professional competencies and the development of specialised training for professionals working with ageing autistic individuals.