The story describes the ‘missing generation’ of people with autism: adults who grew up long before autism became part of the public vernacular. Most of these adults with autism are probably still ‘missing’ — that is, living with misdiagnosis, or no diagnosis at all. As a result, we have little understanding of what it means to age with autism. The few hints we have are concerning: years of depression and suicide attempts, poor medical care, an elevated rate of preventable illnesses and possibly an increased risk of parkinsonism. Efforts to identify and help adults with autism are finally underway, but for many, these efforts are too little, too late.
The story explores these concerns through the life of one man with autism, Scott, who did not receive a diagnosis until 55 years of age. Having a diagnosis has allowed Scott to live alone for the first time, but came too late to fully erase the scars of years of poor medical treatment and support. Scott’s story is complemented by those of two other adults who were diagnosed after age 50: B.P., for whom a second diagnosis came tragically too late, and Anita, who by discovering herself also finally found love.