Getting together with a research request

Whilst more research is definitely needed, I don't think that middle-aged or older autistic people have necessarily been forgotten.

For example, in recommending future research priorities, this recent paper (August 2025) says that:

• "Aging in autistic populations is a historically neglected but now rapidly advancing area of research".
• the "intersection of aging and autism" is "an emerging and rapidly advancing area of research":

Annual Review of Developmental Psychology - Aging Across the Autism Spectrum

If you (or anyone else here) is interested in taking part in more research opportunities than are necessarily flagged in this forum (and any that you might miss here), here are some examples:

Emailing research@nas.org.uk to register interest in participating in future research (as explained here: NAS - Research work)

University of Cambridge - Autism Research Centre > Participate in research 

Autistica Network - Take part in autism research

University of Bath - Centre for Applied Autism Research

NHS Leicestershire Partnership Trust - Autism research register

I agree with the thoughts. Being a 'Lateling' myself with very little support post diagnosis apart for  an hour once a week for six weeks course trying to describe what autism is.

There is no support in Scotland unless you are in the big cities. The issue is what support do we need as it will differ between individuals. I believe you should be given some psychological therapy to support your diagnosis.

Employment is another avenue that needs exploring as there are so many stories of discrimination.

Absolutely in support of this! 

Yes, I’m up for it.

In Northern Ireland, older autistic people can’t get the support they need, although older non-autistic people can’t get the support they need either, so that would be one concern.

I don’t have much free time today so I’ll come back to you with some more thoughts about this.

I agree! 

Wenn Lawson has written an interesting book on autism and older populations. It draws on some of the research that is out there and highlights the need for further research. I think Wenn is also talking at the NAS professionals conference this year on the subject of aging and autism. 

I will certainly be happy to input and sign the letter.

A good start would be research to collect the concerns and views of the older autistic population. What are the barriers to wellbeing and what enhances wellbeing.  I have a lot of concerns about a lack of awareness of autism in palliative care. 

What the effect of getting diagnosed and then offered limited or no support afterwards. It's such a familiar tale of people asking what help is there to find the answer is none. I feel a study would show the effects of being well supported vs no support would be stark, and be something to base lobbying for improvements on goverment policies.

It would also be interesting to find out how the availability of diagnosis effects people. It's a postcode lottery of whether you can get NHS referal or not (mainly england), and how this effects people? There can be a lot of desperation for those who can't access and want one. 

I've noticed that too, it's not Scotland or Wales lack universities and hospitals were this sort of research can take place either, I don't know the position in Northern Ireland?

What issues would you like to see raised, apart from research falling off a cliff at 25?

Yeah, the research is so narrow, and they only focus on young people -those young people have to grow up too, and the research falls off a cliff after 25. No wonder no one knows much about autism, as they don't bother to find out. Most of it is England only too.