The Hidden Crisis: Undiagnosed Autism in Older Adults.

When most people think about autism, they picture children or teenagers going through assessments at school age. But new research from King’s College London has highlighted a startling reality: up to 97% of autistic adults aged 40 and above in the UK remain undiagnosed.

These finding sheds light on a hidden crisis. Decades ago, awareness of autism was limited, and diagnostic criteria were narrower. Many adults simply slipped through the net. Today, they continue to live without the recognition, support, and adjustments that a diagnosis could bring.

Why Are So Many Older Adults Undiagnosed?

There are several reasons why autism often goes unnoticed in adulthood:

• Missed in childhood: Autism was often only recognised in children who displayed more “obvious” traits, leaving those with quieter presentations unsupported.

• Masking: Many adults, particularly women, develop coping strategies to hide their difficulties, making autism harder to spot.

• Lack of training: Professionals may not be confident in identifying autism in adults, especially when mental health difficulties (such as anxiety or depression) are also present.

  
  

The Impact of Living Without a Diagnosis:

Undiagnosed autism can have a significant impact on well-being. Adults may experience:

• Mental health challenges, including high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression.

• Isolation and loneliness, due to difficulties in social interaction or communication.

• Employment barriers, as workplaces may not understand or accommodate hidden differences.

• Physical health inequalities, as stress and lack of tailored healthcare, take their toll.
  

Without recognition of their needs, many adults struggle unnecessarily. A diagnosis doesn’t change who a person is, but it can open doors to understanding, support, and a sense of belonging.

Why a Lifespan Approach Matters:

The King’s College London review calls for a lifespan approach to autism research and services. This means recognising that autism doesn’t disappear after childhood and ensuring appropriate support at every stage of life.

For older adults, this could include:

• Easier access to diagnostic pathways, without age limits.

• Training for GPs and mental health professionals in spotting autism in adults.

• Greater awareness in workplaces to reduce barriers and increase opportunities.

• Community initiatives that reduce loneliness and build supportive networks.
  

Finding Support:

If you suspect you, a parent, or a loved one may be autistic, seeking support is an important step. A formal diagnosis can help with access to reasonable adjustments, therapy, and resources that make day-to-day life more manageable.

Individual:

At Prior Mindset, we provide compassionate, evidence-based support for people of all ages. From Autism screening and guidance on private diagnostic referrals to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), neurodiversity coaching, and family guidance, our goal is to ensure that no one feels overlooked or unsupported.

Organisational Mental Health Consultancy :

At Prior Mindset, we deliver specialist neurodiversity training for professionals and organisations across the UK. Our workshops and consultancy sessions are designed to help teams understand autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse profiles in adulthood. We focus on practical strategies that enable adults with a diagnosis to thrive both at home and in the workplace, from improving communication and emotional well-being to creating inclusive policies and reasonable adjustments.

By equipping employers, educators, and service providers with the right knowledge, we ensure environments are supportive, accessible, and empowering for every individual.