Navigating Healthcare as You Age

Most autistic adults become eligible for Medicare at 65, or earlier through SSDI (after a 24-month wait). Medicaid may cover services Medicare does not, including long-term supports and waivers. Ask a benefits counselor before changing plans — the wrong switch can drop coverage you rely on.

Very few clinicians train on autism in adults. Look for providers who ask about sensory needs, allow written communication, and slow down. State autism organizations, university clinics, and adult neurodevelopmental programs are good starting points.

Bring a one-page summary of who you are, how you communicate, what hurts, and what calms you. Ask for the first or last appointment of the day (less waiting, quieter waiting room). Bring a support person if that helps — you are allowed to.

Emergency departments are loud, bright, and unpredictable — the worst possible environment for many autistic adults. A prepared medical passport, a designated advocate, and requests for a quiet room can change the outcome. Ask for accommodations early and in writing.

Autistic adults often report atypical responses to medications and higher sensitivity to side effects. Start low, go slow, and track changes in writing. Bring an updated medication list to every visit — including supplements.

Blood pressure, cholesterol, colon and breast screening, bone density, hearing, and vision all move to the front of the list. Many autistic adults skip these when the process is stressful. A trusted primary-care relationship makes catch-up possible.