The Big Picture: The study highlights a stark gap in the professional and financial backgrounds of autistic adults compared to their non-autistic peers. Autistic adults face considerable systemic barriers, including lower rates of full-time employment and greater financial instability. The data reflects a systemic struggle that many experience daily.
Study Type: Mixed-methods study
Participants: Cross-sectional data from the ‘Planning for Old Age’ study, an online survey exploring how autistic and non-autistic people plan for old age and retirement.
Key Findings:
- Barriers to Retirement: Health problems/burnout (38%), late diagnosis impacts (29%), financial constraints (22%), executive function issues, and lack of accessible information.
- Employment: Autistic participants reported significantly lower rates of full-time employment and higher rates of unemployment or inability to work prior to retirement.
- After Retirement: 26% anticipated better control over their sensory environment, and 67% looked forward to time for hobbies, volunteering, and relaxation.
Access Status: Free
Direct Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261431925
Adult Autism Insights 