Late-Life Autism Diagnosis: Adjustment within Romantic Relationships
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Late-Life Autism Diagnosis: Developing a Model of Adjustment within Romantic Relationships
IRAS ID
366603
Contact name
Evie Rose
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research highlights that a significant number of autistic older adults are undiagnosed. The diagnostic criteria for autism have changed considerably over the past few decades, from a strict criterion that looked for severe difficulties, to now viewing autism as a wider spectrum of strengths and challenges. As a result, many autistic older adults only learn that they are autistic at a later stage of life, prompting a ‘lightbulb moment’ where suddenly their lives make sense.
Being in a romantic relationship is associated with a better quality of life for autistic individuals. Additionally, research suggests that how couples adjust to a new diagnosis has a significant impact on how the individual copes with the new diagnosis. Research has shown that autism diagnosis for working age adults is perceived as providing a sense of relief and is positive for relationships.
The current study aims to explore how older couples adjust to receiving a later life autism diagnosis, and the impact of this on their relationship. This will contribute to our understanding of the experiences of older adults with autism, helping to inform the support provided to older autistic adults and their romantic partners when receiving an autism diagnosis in later life.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0286
Date of REC Opinion
28 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion