Elderly Autistic Adults Face Increased Risk of Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease — Postmortem Brain Research May Reveal Why

• By: B. Blair Braden, PhD Autism and Brain Aging Laboratory David G. Amaral, PhD Autism BrainNet and UC Davis MIND Institute
• July 9th, 2025
• aging, autistic brain research, cognitive decline autism, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, parkinson’s disease, research, Summer 2025 Issue
• 1289    0

What is the evidence that autistic individuals are more likely to get an age-related disease? A 2021 study published in Autism Research (1) based on an analysis of Medicaid records in the United States found that autistic individuals were 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with early-onset...

Natural Supports: A Lifeline for Families Like Mine

• By: Debora Thivierge, BCaBA, CBAA ELIJA Foundation
• July 9th, 2025
• advocacy, caregivers, dementia, family, grief, parenting, Summer 2025 Issue, support
• 945    0

In 2024, my world changed forever. I lost my father to prostate cancer—a man whose strength and love defined the very foundation of my family. He fought with everything he had to stay alive long enough to care for my mom, who was battling dementia. Even as his own health declined, he dedicated...

Making It Through Loss and Pain When You Have Autism Is a Challenge

• By: Angela Chapes Autistic Self-Advocate
• November 5th, 2021
• actually autistic, cancer, dementia, family, guilt, life challenges, loss, strength
• 2593    0

I am writing this piece to let any autistic individuals know that, when life throws challenges, you can make it through the pain. You may hurt, feel like your life has turned upside down, and you may feel lost. Taking on painful challenges can make you stronger. Individuals with autism can conquer...