Support and Psycho-Education for Adults 55 and Older with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Improve Diagnosis and Quality of Life

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying autism spectrum disorder ASD in older adults, focusing on improving recognition and diagnosis in mental health care. This research addresses the underdiagnosis and unfamiliarity of autism in older people and investigates whether training health care professionals and providing psycho-education programs can improve diagnosis rates and mental health outcomes. The study also aims to evaluate the effects of psycho-education on knowledge, acceptance, coping, resilience, psychological distress, and quality of life in older adults with ASD. The study involves two main interventions training mental health professionals in detecting and diagnosing ASD in older adults, and offering an adapted psycho-education PE program consisting of eight weekly group sessions lasting two hours each for older adults diagnosed or likely diagnosed with ASD. The training includes sessions for entire teams and diagnosticians, plus ongoing online expert consultations. The interventions are rolled out sequentially across multiple mental health organizations in a stepped wedge trial design. Participants aged 55 and older with confirmed or probable ASD will complete assessments at four time points over 9 to 15 months, including quality of life, acceptance of diagnosis, knowledge and recognition of ASD traits, coping skills, autistic traits, resilience, and psychological distress. A proxy chosen by the participant will also provide related information at two time points. The study collects data on diagnosis rates before, during, and after the intervention. Participation involves completing questionnaires and attending the PE sessions if assigned, with minimal burden expected.

Psychoeducation for Older Adults With Autism