An Exploratory Study into the Cognitive Profile of those Ageing with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The long-established view of Autism Spectrum Disorder being a childhood disorder has concentrated research on childhood and adolescence, while the study of adulthood Autism Spectrum Disorder has been neglected until recent years. Although research with young adults has been initiated, very little is known about the impact of ageing and the lifespan trajectory for those over the age of fifty and with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Part one of this thesis presents a systematic literature review of the efficacy of psychological interventions for adults with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The literature review includes twelve studies. The findings suggest that the usual treatment interventions for neuro-typicals can be used with some adaptations for adults with high-functioning autism, and there is a need for robust evaluations of psychological interventions for different psychiatric disorders. Part two presents an empirical paper that investigates the cognitive profile of adults over the age of fifty with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. A total of twenty-six adults participated in neuropsychological assessments of general abilities and memory. The results indicate that the cognitive profile may be uneven and that performance in some domains is weaker than others. The clinical implications are discussed with emphasis on the need for further research to improve the understanding of the ageing experience in those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Part three is a critical appraisal highlighting reflections on the research process undertaken in this thesis. It details the challenges experienced and the obstacles encountered during the process