As life expectancy increases, a growing number of individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are entering older adulthood. This demographic shift brings new challenges—and opportunities—for service providers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and families. Aging adults with autism and IDD require thoughtful, specialized support that addresses their health, emotional well-being, independence, and community engagement. By taking a coordinated and proactive approach, we can ensure that these individuals age with dignity, stability, and connection.
An older adult with autism selects ripe peaches at a local orchard, enjoying a hands-on seasonal tradition.
A Changing Landscape of Needs
Historically, services for people with autism and IDD have focused on childhood and early adulthood. But today, more people in this population are living longer than ever before (Hong et al., 2023). Their needs evolve as they age: chronic health conditions may emerge, social networks can shrink, and daily routines may need adjustment. Despite this, programs tailored to older adults with autism and IDD remain limited. To build a more inclusive future, we must rethink how we deliver care across the lifespan (McLean & Koenig, 2025).
Promoting Health Through Nutrition and Wellness
Good health begins with good nutrition—but caregivers and healthcare providers often lack training in the specific dietary needs and sensory sensitivities of aging adults with autism and IDD (Stephens et al., 2022). Tailored nutrition programs, paired with routine health assessments, can significantly decrease preventable conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Offering health education workshops for caregivers also empowers them to create healthier home environments and make informed decisions about food and lifestyle choices.
Strengthening Clinical Care Through Integration
As individuals age, fragmented healthcare becomes a major barrier to well-being. Many adults with autism and IDD rely on multiple specialists, yet coordination among providers is often minimal (Hong et al., 2023). Integrated care models—bringing together experts in autism, IDD, geriatrics, and mental health—help ensure that care is comprehensive and consistent. Training programs for healthcare professionals are equally important. Providers must be equipped with communication strategies and diagnostic approaches that respect the unique needs of this population (Janicki et al.,2025). Telehealth expansion can further increase access, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas.
Unlocking Independence Through Technology
Technology has immense potential to enhance independence for older adults with autism and IDD, yet access and training remain uneven (Stephens et al., 2022). Assistive technologies—such as communication devices, prompting apps, and wearable health monitors—can support daily living and enable individuals to manage routines more confidently. Telemonitoring systems can alert caregivers to changes in health status, enabling earlier intervention. To maximize the impact of these tools, training for both caregivers and individuals must be a priority (Nicholas et al., 2025).
Community elders on the autism spectrum take a peaceful walk through the park, embracing the calm of a familiar outdoor routine.
Reimagining Day Programs for an Aging Population
Many existing day programs were originally built around the interests and abilities of younger adults, leaving older individuals with autism and IDD without appropriate, meaningful options. As this population ages, day services must be intentionally redesigned to reflect changing energy levels, health needs, and personal goals (McLean & Koenig, 2025). This includes offering a broader range of activities—such as adapted life-skills training, therapeutic arts, gentle movement classes, and structured social engagement—that promote purpose and connection while honoring the realities of aging.
To support these evolving needs, day programs also require greater flexibility in funding models. Current reimbursement structures often limit providers’ ability to collaborate with nursing homes, hospitals, or home-based healthcare teams. More flexible funding would allow day programs to share responsibility for care—such as coordinating medical follow-up, rehabilitation support, or behavioral health services—without losing eligibility for program funding. Embedding skilled nursing and multidisciplinary teams into day programs ensures participants receive timely, proactive care while maintaining the routine and social connections that day programs provide (Stephens et al., 2022).
Intergenerational programming remains an important component, offering opportunities for shared learning and meaningful community engagement. But equally essential is ensuring that day programs evolve into comprehensive, integrated support environments that address the full spectrum of age-related needs, from socialization and skill maintenance to physical health and medical coordination.
Expanding Residential Support and Housing Options
Safe, stable housing is foundational for aging well, yet many communities lack residential models designed specifically for older adults with autism and IDD (Hong et al., 2023). Specialized housing that prioritizes accessibility, sensory-friendly design, and community integration can significantly improve quality of life. Equally critical is access to well-trained staff who understand the nuances of supporting aging adults with developmental disabilities (Stephens et al., 2022). Families, too, need guidance as they navigate complex decisions regarding long-term housing and care (New York State Office for the Aging, 2023).
Advancing Community Inclusion
Social isolation is a significant risk for aging adults with autism and IDD. Increasing community awareness and fostering partnerships with local organizations—such as libraries, recreation centers, and arts groups—can help create more inclusive opportunities for connection. Transportation remains a major barrier; expanding transportation services is essential to ensuring that community participation is both possible and consistent.
Driving Policy and Advocacy Forward
Supporting an aging population with autism and IDD requires not just programs, but strong, forward-thinking policy (McLean & Koenig, 2025). Advocates must work together to increase funding for tailored services, improve data collection, and shape legislation that ensures equitable access to healthcare, housing, and community resources. Strong advocacy coalitions can elevate these priorities and help policymakers understand the urgency of addressing them. The ongoing work of Eden II’s Advisory Board, which has taken a proactive role in planning for the needs of aging adults, offers an encouraging example of leadership in this space.
In New York State, the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has established a Task Force on Aging, an important step in the right direction (OPWDD, 2025). To be effective, the task force must include meaningful input from provider agencies and families who understand the day-to-day realities of supporting older adults with autism and IDD. Its recommendations and initiatives should remain transparent and accessible so that stakeholders can stay informed, engaged, and confident in the direction of statewide planning (OPWDD, 2022).
A Call for Collaboration
Preparing for an aging population with autism and IDD is a shared responsibility. Healthcare providers, families, community organizations, policymakers, and service agencies must work collaboratively to create environments where individuals can thrive at every stage of life. By acting now—through investment, planning, and innovation—we can build a future where aging adults with autism and IDD are supported, respected, and fully included.
For more information, please reach out to Randy Horowitz, Associate Executive Director of School and Adult Services, at rhorowitz@eden2.org or visit www.eden2.org. Follow Eden II on social media for updates and resources: Facebook: @eden2programs, Instagram: @eden2programs.
References
Hong, J., DaWalt, L. S., Taylor, J. L., et al. (2023). Autism through midlife: Trajectories of symptoms, behavioral functioning, and health. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 15, 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-023-09505-w
Janicki, M. P., McCallion, P., Jokinen, N., Larsen, F. K., Service, K. P., Mughal, D. T., Watchman, K., Gomiero, T., & Keller, S. M. (2025). Autism, Diagnostics, and Dementia: A Consensus Report From the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 40(6), e70110. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.70110
McLean, K. J., & Koenig, J., et al. (2025). Health disparities persist for adults with developmental disabilities: NHIS insights, 1999–2018. Health Affairs Scholar, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxae158
New York State Office for the Aging. (2023). Future planning guidebook for older caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. https://aging.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/02/future-planning-guidebook-for-idd.pdf
New York State Office for the Aging. (2023, March 29). NYSOFA presents new resource guide to help older adults caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. https://aging.ny.gov/news/nysofa-presents-new-resource-guide-help-older-adults-caring-individuals-intellectual-and
Nicholas, D. B., Shafai, F., Edelson, S. M., Bal, V., Nelson, H., Lawson, W., Doherty, M., Geurts, H. M., Sullivan, W. F., Braden, B. B., Wallace, G. L., Share, M., St. John, L., Amaral, D. G., Whitaker, A. H., Watters, L., Robson, T., Gauthier, J., Moulanier, S., … Trollor, J. N. (2025). Advancing care priorities for health and quality of life among older adults in the autism and/or intellectual disabilities communities: Proceedings of an international Think Tank. BMC Proceedings, 19(Suppl 11), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12919-025-00330-8
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. (2022). 2023–2027 strategic plan. https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/11/opwdd-2023-2027-strategic-plan-final-with-links.pdf
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. (2025). Developmental disabilities taskforce on aging launched. https://opwdd.ny.gov/news/aging-taskforce-launched-9-25
Stephens, M. M., Herge, E. A., & Rene, R. (2022). Aging in adults with intellectual disabilities and severe and persistent mental illness. Reichel’s Care of the Elderly (pp. 604–619). Cambridge University Press.
