Life through a new lens: Post-diagnostic support following a later life autism diagnosis.

This article focuses on the importance and development of post-diagnostic support for individuals diagnosed with autism in later life, illustrated through a six-session case example within an NHS trust. It highlights the lack of formal guidance and resources specifically addressing post-diagnostic support for older autistic adults, noting that current services often provide minimal follow-up, with much support coming from third-sector organizations. The case study of "Caroline," a woman diagnosed with autism in her seventies, demonstrates a flexible, integrative approach combining psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and shared communication with her partner to facilitate adjustment and reflection across her lifespan. The authors recommend that post-diagnostic support for older adults should be neuro-affirmative, strengths-based, include partners or family where appropriate, and address the historical context of autism diagnosis to help individuals make sense of their experiences.