Older Autism

I've been asked about autism in adults. While my interest has been directed toward children, I can share bits and pieces I've learned over the years.

First, autism is generally first recognized in children. It is unlikely that the disorder develops later in life, but hits at a critical age when children are developing language and social skills.

The spectrum of disorders are now far more likely recognized in educational and medical circles. Before about 1980, autism was generally recognized as an acute disorder. So instead of being considered a spectrum kid, Samuel likely would have been labeled a "late bloomer" and a disruptive child. With our expanding knowledge regarding autism, more children are recognized to be on the spectrum at an earlier age.

That said, it is likely that folks older than about 30, may have gone un- (or miss-) diagnosed as children. Sadly, many were considered mentally unstable and even if diagnosed, unable to be handled outside of an institutional setting. (Temple Grandin's story is sadly typical of the 1950s. Without her mother's intevention, great talent would have been lost.)

I think it unlikely, that an adult would be severely autistic without someone having recognized a problem at an earlier age. However, a milder form, or Aspergers, may will have been missed. In trying to "diagnose" after the fact, family memory is likely the best guide. If others remember that a person was slow to start talking, made few friends, or was generally considered "weird," current autistic behaviors may well have been a life-long challenge.