Cognitive functioning in autistic older adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing the cognitive functioning of autistic older adults and typically developing older adults
IRAS ID
355232
Contact name
Charlotte Steel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
Evidence suggests that autistic older adults report a lower quality of life compared typically developing older adults and autistic working age adults. Further research is necessary to understand the particular care needs of autistic older adults and improve the quality of support provided to such individuals. This research aims to explore differences that autistic older adults might possess in areas of cognitive functioning, such as processing speed, memory, attention and executive functioning. We hope that this research will provide a greater insight into cognitive functioning in autistic adults across the lifespan. This research also aims to be more representative of older adults accessing NHS services by exclusively recruiting individuals aged 60 and above. It is expected that differences will emerge between autistic older adults and typically developing older adults in several areas of cognitive functioning, such as processing speed, memory, executive functioning and social cognition. In improving our understanding of cognitive functioning in autistic older adults, this study will contribute to a growing body of research that will improve the quality of care provided by services for autistic older adults.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
25/WA/0176
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion