Stagg_Belcher_2019.pdf (1.57 MB)
Living with autism without knowing: receiving a diagnosis in later life
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-26, 14:48 authored by Steven D. Stagg, Hannah BelcherIncreasingly adults over the age of 50 are receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition. Growing up in a time when autism was poorly recognised, these adults have lived unknowingly with the condition and face readjustment. This paper reports the first study to investigate this population. Nine adults over the age of 50, who had recently been diagnosed with ASC, were interviewed, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Results showed that the participants had received treatment for anxiety and depression. They reported ASC behaviours in their childhood and growing up they felt isolated and alien. Receiving a diagnosis was seen as a positive step and allowed for a reconfiguration of self and an appreciation of individual needs. Given the positive aspects of receiving a late diagnosis, more work is needed to identify older adults with undiagnosed ASC.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
7Issue number
1Page range
348-361Publication title
Health Psychology and Behavioral MedicineISSN
2164-2850External DOI
Publisher
Taylor & FrancisFile version
- Published version
Language
- eng
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Legacy posted date
2019-11-11Legacy creation date
2019-11-11Legacy Faculty/School/Department
Faculty of Science & EngineeringUsage metrics
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