The number of older autistic people is surging. A new study analysing data from more than 200 countries reported that the number of autistic people aged 70 or older rose from 894,700 in 1990 to nearly 2.5 million in 2021. This figure is estimated to double to 5.1 million people by 2040.

Most research on autism focuses on younger people, but some studies suggest older adults face increased risks — and perhaps benefits.