ABSTRACT

Objectives

In geriatric psychiatry Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are increasingly recognized. This study explores what clinicians know about diagnostic and/or therapeutic aspects of autistic older adults and how aging plays a role in the course of ASD.

Methods

A Delphi study outlines the point of view of 11 clinical experts in the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders).

Results

Regarding diagnostics, age-specific aspects need to be considered. Age-related characteristics (cognitive differences, life events, co-occurring conditions) influence detecting autistic features in older adults. Regarding treatment, counseling methods need to be adapted. Psychoeducation, family therapy, couples therapy, behavioral counseling and psychopharmaca can be helpful in meeting the needs of autistic older adults. There was no consensus on the effects of aging on autistic older adults.

Conclusions

Diagnosis and treatment of ASD need adaptation for autistic older adults. Further research is needed on the validation of measurement tools, recorded treatment, therapy, psychoeducation, and the effects of aging among people on the autism spectrum.

Clinical Implications

Available knowledge helps clinicians to detect ASD in older adults and adapt to the specific features and needs of autistic older adults. The effects of aging on the course of ASD are unclear yet.

中文翻译：

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自闭症老年人的特征和需求：临床经验的德尔福研究

摘要

目标

老年精神病学自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 越来越得到认可。这项研究探讨了临床医生对自闭症老年人的诊断和/或治疗方面的了解，以及衰老如何在 ASD 的过程中发挥作用。

方法

一项德尔福研究概述了荷兰和比利时（法兰德斯）11 位临床专家的观点。

结果

关于诊断，需要考虑特定年龄的方面。与年龄相关的特征（认知差异、生活事件、共同发生的条件）影响检测老年人的自闭症特征。关于治疗，需要调整咨询方法。心理教育、家庭治疗、夫妻治疗、行为咨询和心理药物有助于满足自闭症老年人的需求。关于衰老对自闭症老年人的影响尚未达成共识。

结论

ASD的诊断和治疗需要适应自闭症老年人。需要对测量工具的验证、记录的治疗、治疗、心理教育以及人们老龄化对自闭症谱系的影响进行进一步的研究。

临床意义

可用的知识有助于临床医生检测老年人的 ASD 并适应自闭症老年人的特定特征和需求。衰老对 ASD 病程的影响尚不清楚。