Autism has historically been considered a childhood-specific set of defined experiences and challenges; however, increased attention is being given to viewing autism as a set of experiences and challenges that span across both childhood and adulthood (Murphy et al., 2016). There is a significant gap in literature and research related to adult autism. Many adults often go undiagnosed until adulthood, leaving them without much-needed support (Kentrou et al., 2024).
This presentation will delve into translating diagnostic criteria into practical experiences of adult autistic clients, recognizing commonly overlooked challenges in adult autism, considering the impact of intersectionality for autistic adults, delineating differences between adult autism and adult ADHD, and exploring neurodivergent-affirming interventions for autistic adults.
References
Murphy, C. M., Wilson, C. E., Robertson, D. M., Ecker, C., Daly, E. M., Hammond, N., Galanopoulos, A., Dud, I., Murphy, D.G., & McAlonan, G. M. (2016). Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis, management, and health services development. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 12, 1669–1686. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S65455
Kentrou, V., Livingston, L. A., Grove, R., Hoekstra, R. A., & Begeer, S. (2024). Perceived misdiagnosis of psychiatric conditions in autistic adults. EClinicalMedicine, 71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102586