Until recently, autism in older adults went unrecognised. Although there has been more attention to autism in older adults in recent years, there is still a lot of unfamiliarity with the phenomenon and underdiagnosis in (mental) health care. Many care providers are reluctant to diagnose autism in later life, due to a lack of knowledge about autism in older adults and because there is still very little scientific knowledge available for this target group. Although several multidisciplinary guidelines for autism in adults prescribe that after the diagnosis psycho-education is the first step in treatment, psycho-education is still only offered in a few places in the Netherlands. Psycho-education is important to help older people gain knowledge about their autism, to help them understand and accept this diagnosis, in order to subsequently make the treatment of the problems, with which they turn to the mental health care, more appropriate and effective. The aim of this study is to contribute to better recognition and diagnosis of autism among older adults. This research also aims to improve a psycho-education program for older adults and investigate its effects. The scientific research question is whether training in ASD for health care professionals results in better recognition and detection of ASD in older adults, and whether participation in the psycho-education course for older adults, who have been diagnosed with autism, or have received a probability diagnosis ASD, contributes to improvement of mental health and quality of life.
Age range
55 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Quality of life (MHQoL-7)
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.
Acceptance of the diagnosis
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.
Acceptance of the diagnosis from proxy perspective
Timeframe: 8 weeks with two measurements over this period.
Knowledge of ASD
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.
Knowledge of ASD from proxy perspective
Timeframe: 8 weeks with two measurements over this period.
Recognition of ASD traits
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.
Recognition of ASD traits from proxy perspective
Timeframe: 8 weeks with two measurements over this period.
Coping with ASD
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.
Coping with ASD from proxy perspective
Timeframe: 8 weeks with two measurements over this period.
Quantitative autistic traits
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.
Quantitative autistic traits from proxy perspective
Timeframe: 8 weeks with two measurements over this period.
Resilience
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.
Comorbid psychological distress
Timeframe: minimum of 9 to maximum of 15 months with four measurements over this period.