AAAP Today

by Lirio Sobrevinas-Covey, Ph.D.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is presently regarded in the medical community as a lifelong disorder. Since the adult years span the ages 18 to about 80 years or more, the greater proportion of persons who are autistic are adults. Thus, the longevity of persons with autism is not so different compared to non-autistic persons. The attached photo of Douglas Triplett at age 82, the first person diagnosed with autism in 1943 by Leo Kanner, is an example of an autistic person reaching an advanced aged.
The earliest generation of persons diagnosed with autism, from the 1950’s to the 1960’s, have reached or are approaching “old age”. Little is known about the characteristics of autism during the older years and there are no established protocols on how to provide support and appropriate interventions for the medical or social needs of older autistic persons.
Most professionals experienced in caring for autism persons are familiar with childhood autism needs, but not with the needs of autistic adults. Conversely, clinicians experienced in geriatric care are unfamiliar with autism which had been, for too long, considered a childhood disorder.

A companion problem is when, in earlier years, autism was not diagnosed and instead, the observed symptoms were solely attributed to some other condition, such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, or epilepsy, and the transition to aging results in more visibility or intensification of the core symptoms of autism. The un-diagnosed autistic individual may have received treatments for the more apparent co-occurring conditions but the impairments due to autism were neglected. It is also possible that the care given to the suspected but incorrect diagnosis, resulted in treatment resistance rather than improvement.

In the general population, a not uncommon accompaniment of aging is the deterioration of neuro-cognitive abilities, for example, dementia. It is unknown whether persons with ASD are at risk of a similar or more rapid deterioration of cognitive functioning (by contrast to established knowledge regarding progressive cognitive deterioration in Down’s syndrome).

The reality of autistic aging has received limited attention from those engaged in clinical care and from the research community. That reality, however, has come in the growing numbers of aging autistic persons. Understanding the characteristics of aging in autism, the underlying changes in brain structure and functions, and developing appropriate supports and treatments should be important elements of the medical and public health research and clinical agenda.

Reference: Hategan A, Bourgeois JA, Goldberg J, International Psychogeriatrics, Online: Sept 2016

A collection of narratives from 10 Filipino mothers and fathers of persons with autism was launched last October 22, 2016, in connection with the 5th Annual Symposium held by the Association for Adults with Autism Philippines at the Ateneo Law School in Rockwell Center, Makati, Manila.

The parent contributors wrote of their experiences, emotional trajectory, and life-changing decisions as they adapted to their child’s special condition. This anthology is the first of its kind from Filipino parents. Lirio S Covey, Ph.D. was the editor and a parent contributor. “Butterflies”, the art work on the book cover is by Matthew Aragon, a young man with autism, in collaboration with his art teacher, Lawrence Raya.

In the foreword, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Carandang, Ph.D., National Social Scientist of the Republic of the Philippines, writes – the book is a MUST READ for all parents and professionals”.

Philippine Secretary of Health Dr. Paulyn Rosell Ubial, M.D. wrote the following in her endorsement – “This is a heartwarming and inspiring book of the journey of families challenged by raising a child with autism. The book is a testament to the timeless value of inclusive societies and humanity bonding for special and differently abled individuals! It gives hope and inspiration for all that being different is not a fault but a blessing to most individuals and their families”.

Books may be purchased by calling 63-917-881-2836 for orders, or emailing adultautismphil@gmail.com, and are available for immediate sale at Vico’s Artism Gallery, 51-A West Capitol Drive, Pasig, Metro Manila.

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GROWING UP AUTISTIC: GAINING KNOWLEDGE, GAINING SKILLS
A symposium for families and other advocates of persons with autism

2 Days to go before the Oct 1 deadline of the pre-registration to the symposium on Oct 22, from 8am to 4pm!