Aging and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Naturalistic, Longitudinal Study of the Comorbidities and Behavioral and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Adults with ASD

Elizabeth Wise, Marcia D. Smith, Peter V Rabins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Little is known about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in persons over age 50. In a retrospective, naturalistic review of 74 individuals aged 30 and older meeting DSM-5 criteria for ASD, the point prevalence of behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms (BNPS) declined significantly for 12 of 13 BNPS over a mean of 25 years while many other features of ASD remained stable. GI disorders (68.9%) and seizure disorders (23%) were common, and 25.7% of the sample had a BMI >30. Females were more likely to engage in screaming (p < 0.05) and oppositional behavior (p < 0.05). Current age did not have a significant effect on BNPS prevalence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - Mar 16 2017

Keywords

  • Adulthood
  • Aging
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Neuropsychiatric symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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