# Ageing-Autism ## Posts - [What happens to mental health as autistic people age?](https://ageingautism.eu/what-happens-to-mental-health-as-autistic-people-age/): What happens to mental health as autistic people age? A longitudinal study by Roestorf and colleagues (2022) found that: -More than two-thirds of autistic adults experience anxiety and depression – These challenges are linked to a lower quality of life. But the key findings are concerning: – Mental health difficulties did not improve over time– They were closely linked to challenges in daily life (work, social settings, independence)This shows that anxiety and depression have a lasting impact on well-being across adulthood.So the question remains: How can we better support the mental health of autistic people as they age? Read the study here. - [Aging with Autism](https://ageingautism.eu/ageing-autism-project/): Aging with autism – Bridging the gap in care and support. The professional gap (N=12) Professionals acknowledge significant knowledge caps in supporting older autistic adults. The training crisis. Only 8% of professionals have received comprehensive training across all areas of aging and autism.  Training needs: Focus on mental health of the elderly and neurobiological changes. Workload: 55% anticipate their mental and physical burden with increase.  Roadmap to better care (key recommendations) To ensure dignity and safety, the following reforms are essential: Specialized training: Mandatory modules on autism and aging.  Proactive protocols: Joint contingency plans for major life transitions. Empathy-led support… - [A Lifetime of Disparities:](https://ageingautism.eu/a-lifetime-of-disparities/): Ageing in autistic populations is severely under-researched.  Existing evidence shows that middle-aged and older autistic people face poorer outcomes, higher health risks, and lower quality of life compared to their peers.  An Unseen Population & Research Gap Over 90% of autistic adults over 50 may be undiagnosed Only 0,4% of autism research focuses on midlife or older age. Diagnosis rates drop dramatically in older age, suggesting a large, historically overlooked population. Since 1980, over 34,000 studies focused on childhood, while only 174 focused on old age.   Major challenges for aging autistic adults Higher mortality rates & reduced life expectancy:… - [Active Ageing in Autism: Training the Next Generation of Support Professionals](https://ageingautism.eu/active-ageing-in-autism/): The Challenge:  A growing Unmet Need Picture 1: No established professional profile: There are no well-defined qualifications for professionals supporting individuals with autism. Picture 2: Unique health challenges: High rates of co-occurring conditions can reduce life expectancy, making specialized support vital. Picture 3: An aging population:  The first generation widely diagnosed with autism in the 1980s is now entering old age.   The Solution: A Three-Step Project Step1: Research & Identify Needs: Conduct literature review and survey 90+ individuals to identify best practices and needs. Step1: Define the professional profile: Develop a new framework of competencies and skills validated by… - [Practical Insights: Supporting the Ageing Process for Autistic Individuals](https://ageingautism.eu/practical-insights-supporting-the-ageing-process-for-autistic-individuals/): Introduction The Ageing-Autism Project, funded by the EU (Erasmus+) and led by FPDA (Federação Portuguesa de Autismo), operates in collaboration with HAMK UAE Finland (Häme University of Applied Sciences) and FM Spain (Fundación Miradas). Through this partnership, we have identified a significant gap between the growing needs of older autistic adults and the support services currently available. To ensure that autistic individuals can age with dignity, professionals in social care, healthcare, and education must shift their approach from reactive measures to proactive, long-term support. Survey Results: Insights from Three Stakeholder Groups Transitioning into older age presents unique and critical challenges… - [Autism, Ageing & Quality of Life](https://ageingautism.eu/autism-ageing-quality-of-life/): In a recent talk at the University of Burgos, shared on International Older Persons Day, Professor Rebecca Charlton (Goldsmiths, University of London) explores how diagnosis, health, and quality of life shape the experiences of autistic people across adulthood and into later life. This talk is part of the AHA4AUTISM project — another important initiative in which Fundación Miradas Autismo (one of the partners of our project) is involved. Her insights highlight the importance of understanding autism beyond childhood and ensuring meaningful support at every stage of life. A thoughtful and informative perspective on ageing and autism.A powerful reminder that neurodiversity… - [Summer is more than sunshine](https://ageingautism.eu/summer-is-more-than-sunshine/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [We need your voice: Help us understand ageing with Autism](https://ageingautism.eu/we-need-your-voice-help-us-understand-ageing-with-autism/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Understanding Autism and embracing neurodiversity](https://ageingautism.eu/understanding-autism-and-embracing-neurodiversity/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Autism and Ageing: A hidden chapter](https://ageingautism.eu/autism-and-ageing-a-hidden-chapter/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Autism and Ageing](https://ageingautism.eu/autism-and-ageing/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [World Autism Awareness Day](https://ageingautism.eu/world-autism-awareness-day/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Ageing with Autism: The challenges we can’t ignore](https://ageingautism.eu/ageing-with-autism-the-challenges-we-cant-ignore/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [New study highlights the Quality of Life of adults with high support needs](https://ageingautism.eu/new-study-highlights-the-quality-of-life-of-adults-with-high-support-needs/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Ageing-Autism: Active Ageing for All](https://ageingautism.eu/ageing-autism-active-ageing-for-all/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Meet the partners behind our project](https://ageingautism.eu/meet-the-partners-behind-our-project/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Kick-off meeting in Lisbon](https://ageingautism.eu/kick-off-meeting-in-lisbon/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. - [Meet our project](https://ageingautism.eu/meet-our-project/): We are thrilled to introduce our Erasmus+ project, which aims to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support autistic individuals during their ageing process. ## Pages - [Results](https://ageingautism.eu/results/): 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… - [Cookie Policy (EU)](https://ageingautism.eu/cookie-policy-eu/) - [About us](https://ageingautism.eu/about-us/): Who we are Training with purpose,care with dignity. Welcome to Ageing-Autism, a European initiative dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals as they age. By defining professional competencies and delivering targeted training, we aim to ensure that ageing autistic adults receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve. About the ProjectProject title: Active Ageing: Specialised Training for Professionals Supporting people with Autism in their Ageing processProject acronym: Ageing-AutismProject number: 2024-1-PT01-KA210-VET-000253342Duration: 01/10/2024 – 30/09/2026 (24 months)Field: Vocational Education and Training As autism is a lifelong condition, the needs of autistic individuals evolve as they age. Yet, ageing remains an overlooked… - [Privacy Policy](https://ageingautism.eu/privacy-policy/): This document refers to the protection of natural persons regarding the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data and is fully governed by Portuguese law. Ageign Autism commits to the permanent protection of the privacy of personal data provided by its clients in the scope of the services it offers. This document aims to provide users with the necessary information regarding Ageign Autism’s privacy policy so they can give their express, free, and informed consent to the processing of their personal data when requested during the subscription process of the services. The client acknowledges and accepts… - [Sample Page](https://ageingautism.eu/sample-page/): This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I’m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. 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Reach out to us — we’d love to hear from you! - [Home](https://ageingautism.eu/): Active Ageing, Inclusive Future Welcome to Ageing-Autism, a European initiative dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals as they age. ABOUT US About us We define competencies.We train with impact.We care with dignity. By defining professional competencies and delivering targeted training, we aim to ensure that ageing autistic adults receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve. est. 2024 Project number:2024-1-PT01-KA210-VET-000253342 24 months Duration PARTNERS BLOG MEET OUR PROJECT Uncategorized Project Project Project Project Project CONTACT US Have query? 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