The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

The life expectancy of people with disabilities has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Mortality rates for individuals with disabilities are now approximately the same as those of the general population. Research supports that people with disabilities are developing typical medical issues associated with aging, but at a younger age. The average age of death for individuals with disabilities rose from 19 years during the 1930s to 60 years in 1993 (Janicki, Dolton, Henderson, & Davidson, 1999). There were an estimated 641,161 adults with developmental disabilities age 60 and older in the United States in the year 2000. This number is expected to nearly double in size to 1.2 million by the year 2030 (Heller & Factor, 2004).

While there are no current statistics that specifically identify the number of adults with autism living in the United States, it is clearly a staggering number. It is hoped that more and more adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) will have community-based residential options available to them. It is the opinion of the presenters that these agencies must provide a transparent decision-making model that is used to make decisions about medical and aging issues.

In addition to providing a decision-making model, agencies that provide residential services to adults with ASDs must address some critical areas of programming that will impact the adult population they serve. These areas include ensuring that facilities are accessible and provide accommodations to support the aging population of residents; training staff, parents and guardians on topics that relate to this aging population; determining what medical interventions can be performed by non-professional staff versus professional staff, and what level of staffing will be necessary to support the changing needs of this aging population; deciding what activities the aging population should be involved with during the day to keep them stimulated and engaged; ensuring the necessary policies and procedures are in place; and determining how these services will be funded.

Lastly, a critical area that needs to be addressed is the continuing education of medical professionals and other service providers who do not have a knowledge base of ASD, but who will be required to serve adults with medical and aging needs. Ensuring that adults with autism receive the same medical service and supports as the general population is essential to their quality of life.