Adults and Seniors with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Person Centered Care

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurs in approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States. As the pediatric population of individuals with an ASD age, and prevalence of ASD continues to trend upward, nurses who care for adults and older adults can expect to see a steadily increasing percentage of patients affected by an ASD. Individuals and families affected by this complicated and heterogeneous neurological disorder grapple with a wide range of social and behavioral impairments as well as substantial medical and psychological comorbidities, making nursing care complex and multi-faceted. Individuals with an ASD comprise a vulnerable population with a markedly reduced life expectancy of nearly 36 years. This article reviews foundational information about the essentials of ASD, such as the definition and characteristics and discusses research about ASD and aging. We have created an embedded case study throughout the discussion that offers an exemplar based on evidence related to functionality, comorbidities, family centered care, and becoming informed through descriptions of the moment experience. Finally, we discuss implications for person-centered care for those with ASD that consider practice, education, research, and nursing administration.