Précis of “Retirement Is One Hell of a Change”: Autistic People’s Experiences of Retiring by Davies et al.
Summary:
Davies and colleagues investigate the retirement experiences of autistic individuals, addressing a significant gap in existing research. The study explores diverse retirement transitions through semi-structured interviews with 12 autistic adults, aged 56–70, living in the United Kingdom. Findings highlight varied experiences, including difficulties in planning and adjusting to retirement, mixed perceptions of post-retirement life, and common concerns about health and residential care. The study underscores inadequate support systems for autistic retirees and calls for tailored interventions to improve their quality of life during and after this transition.
Key Findings:
1. Unexpectedness of Retirement:
• Many participants felt unprepared for retirement, with unexpected circumstances such as health issues or workplace changes accelerating their transition.
• Disruptions to long-term plans, like Brexit or financial constraints, further complicated retirement readiness.
2. Autistic Perspectives on Retirement:
• Some participants leveraged their attention to detail to prepare for retirement, while others struggled with executive function challenges, such as navigating pension paperwork.
• Poor employment experiences, including workplace burnout and discrimination, were common and shaped participants’ retirement paths.
3. Inadequate Support:
• Participants reported a lack of meaningful retirement support from employers and government systems, with existing resources overly focused on financial aspects and neglecting emotional and social needs.
• Suggestions included autism-specific retirement education, flexible retirement options, and dedicated support networks for autistic retirees.
4. Navigating Leisure and Purpose:
• While some embraced increased free time for hobbies and personal interests, others struggled with the lack of routine and meaningful engagement.
• Financial barriers and social challenges, such as sensory sensitivities and group activity logistics, limited participation in fulfilling activities.
5. Concerns About Aging and Care:
• Participants expressed anxiety about aging-related health issues, inadequate healthcare accessibility, and the prospect of living in non-autism-friendly residential care facilities.
Implications:
The findings emphasize the necessity for better retirement planning resources and policies tailored to autistic individuals, addressing their specific needs and challenges. Enhanced access to healthcare, social connections, and alternative living arrangements could significantly improve retirement outcomes for this population.
Citation (APA):
Davies, J., Matthews, R., Romualdez, A. M., Pellicano, E., & Remington, A. (2024). “Retirement is one hell of a change”: Autistic people’s experiences of retiring. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2023.0155
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