Improving support for older autistic adults with intellectual impairments and their family carers

The authors are part of the Critical Autism and Disability Studies (CADS) Research Forum based at London South Bank University, in the UK. The study reported in this paper was designed to identify issues in providing practical, social and wellbeing support for autistic adults with intellectual impairments over 45 years of age (referred to as ‘autistic+’ in this paper) and their family carers. This is a group with little representation in recent policy and academic literature. As with all CADS research, the research team included properly employed and supported autistic researchers. Because of restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, data was obtained largely via online methods. The findings showed issues in accessing digital sources of information and difficulties around available accessible transport, and demonstrated the importance of support continuing across the lifespan. The necessity for greater awareness by service providers of the requirements of autistic+ adults and their family carers was brought into sharp focus as one of the major issues faced. Rather than being only available online, information needs to be posted across multiple locations (e.g. health centres, libraries, community centres). There needs to be more opportunities for service providers to be able to access relevant training and support. The Editor welcomes papers that evidence good practice in relation to autistic+ adults and their families and carers.