title: Aging and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Naturalistic, Longitudinal Study of the Comorbidities and Behavioral and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Adults with ASD.
abstract: Little is known about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in persons over age 50. In a retrospective, naturalistic review of 74 individuals aged 30 and older meeting DSM-5 criteria for ASD, the point prevalence of behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms (BNPS) declined significantly for 12 of 13 BNPS over a mean of 25 years while many other features of ASD remained stable. GI disorders (68.9%) and seizure disorders (23%) were common, and 25.7% of the sample had a BMI >30. Females were more likely to engage in screaming (p < 0.05) and oppositional behavior (p < 0.05). Current age did not have a significant effect on BNPS prevalence.
authors.affiliation: The Johns Hopkins University, 5300 Alpha Commons Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. ewise11@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Wise
authors.affiliation: Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children, 8615 East Village Avenue, Montgomery Village, MD, 20886, USA.
authors.forename: Marcia D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: The Johns Hopkins University, 5300 Alpha Commons Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
authors.forename: Peter V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Rabins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Adulthood; Aging; Autism spectrum disorder; Neuropsychiatric symptoms