Dr Gavin R. Stewart

annualreviews.orgAging Across the Autism Spectrum | Annual ReviewsAging in autistic populations is a historically neglected but now rapidly advancing area of research. This narrative review provides a broad overview of the current state of the field of aging on the ...

1 Sept 2025

I'm very pleased that our new narrative review on autism in midlife and old age has now been published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology (by me and @proffrancescahappe.bsky.social). We cover a lot of topics... more below! Open access: doi.org/10.1146/annu... #AutRes

doi.orgSleep Problems and Mental Health in Middle‐Aged and Older Autistic and Non‐Autistic AdultsBackground Sleep is a vital biological function, and impaired sleep can lead to a range of problems, including poor health and wellbeing. Poor sleep and higher rates of sleep-related problems and di.....

We have a new autism and ageing paper now out! With Sophie Roper, Andreea Barbinta, Alice Quinton, Rebecca Charlton and Francesca Happé, we explored sleep in middle-aged and older autistic adults using data from our AgeWellAutism cohort. 🔗 doi.org/10.1002/gps.... 1/4

Poorer sleep was associated with older age and higher anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. The association between anxiety and sleep problems was stronger in autistic adults. 🔗 doi.org/10.1002/gps.... 3/4

More work to be done here... we need longitudinal and intervention research to identify ways to improve sleep and wellbeing as autistic people age. 🔗 doi.org/10.1002/gps.... 4/4

doi.orgSage Journals: Discover world-class researchSubscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

What did we find? ➡️ Autistic adults reported significantly poorer sleep across all measured domains. ➡️ Autistic women reported the greatest sleep difficulties. ➡️ Differences remained after accounting for age, anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. 🔗 doi.org/10.1002/gps.... 2/4

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Rebecca Charlton

@goldage.bsky.social

Very important work on experience of trauma among middle-aged and older autistic people.

Dr Gavin R. Stewart@gavrobstew.bsky.social

Our autism and ageing group has a new publication out on experiences of trauma and PTSD symptoms. We found higher rates of trauma and PTSD symptoms in middle-aged and older autistic adults, with stronger links between trauma and PTSD in the autistic group. doi.org/10.1177/1362...

doi.orgSage Journals: Discover world-class researchSubscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Re:Spect Lab KCL

@respectlabkcl.bsky.social

22 Sept

We're starting the new academic year with a bang! We have two ARCH talks planned this October from Jessica Dark and @jwadhwabrown.bsky.social. More information below 🥳 Interested? Tickets available on our Eventbrite @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Rebecca Charlton

@goldage.bsky.social

25 Aug

We're still looking for people to take part in our study about #menopause. Working with Rachel Moseley-Braund @draimeegrant.bsky.social @gavrobstew.bsky.social and others ... You don't need to have started menopause yet! Find out more here: swanseachhs.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

Our new study on social connectedness and quality of life in middle-aged and older autistic adults (aged 40-93) has now been published in @autisminadulthood.bsky.social! Journal article link: doi.org/10.1177/2573... Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu... #AutRes

Our findings suggest that promoting social connectedness may be an important way of improving quality of life for autistic adults as they age, and reinforce the need for tailored, lifespan-focused support. doi.org/10.1177/2573...

Also, the different patterns highlights the importance of understanding ageing in autism and ensuring support continues across the lifespan. We have more work going on in this area, hopefully out soon! doi.org/10.1177/2573... Open access version: kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...

What did we find? ➡️ Middle-aged and older autistic adults reported lower connectedness and lower QoL than non-autistic adults. ➡️ Older autistic adults had lower QoL than those in midlife, but we didn't see this pattern in the non-autistic groups. doi.org/10.1177/2573...

➡️ Higher social connectedness was linked with better quality of life in both groups. ➡️ However, this relationship was stronger for autistic adults, particularly for psychological and social quality of life. doi.org/10.1177/2573... #AutRes

Improving quality of life and social connectedness has been identified by autistic people as a key research priority, yet we know relatively little about how these experiences change across midlife and older age. So we set out to address this! doi.org/10.1177/2573... #AutRes

20 July

Our new study is our on the reproductive health and healthcare experiences of autistic and non-autistic women/AFAB folk. The paper is available here, open access: doi.org/10.1177/1745... It's also part of a collection on menstruation and menopause for neurodivergent people.

doi.orgSage Journals: Discover world-class researchSubscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

20 July

So what did we find? In a UK survey of 311 participants, autistic women/AFAB folk reported more reproductive health conditions and symptoms, greater challenges managing reproductive health and more negative healthcare experiences and higher healthcare inequalities. doi.org/10.1177/1745...

doi.orgSage Journals: Discover world-class researchSubscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

20 July

Our findings highlight the need for tailored education for healthcare providers, as well as better access to personalised adjustments to improve reproductive care for autistic women/AFAB folk. doi.org/10.1177/1745... If you're interested in this topic, do keep an eye on Dr Miriam Martini's work!

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Centre for Brain and Behaviour, QMUL

@queenmarycbb.bsky.social

15 July

Very proud of @agnewblais.bsky.social and of her fascinating work on the relationship between menstrual cycle and ADHD symptoms! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article....

bbc.co.ukADHD and periods: Are my hormones making my symptoms worse?A first-of-its-kind study by UK researchers is looking at the link between menstrual cycles and ADHD.

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

@kingsioppn.bsky.social

29 June

Up to 97% of autistic people over 60 are undiagnosed. Dr @gavrobstew.bsky.social speaks with @theguardian.com on how family members can support and care for this 'neglected' generation as they age. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Dr Becky Wood

@thewoodbug.bsky.social

25 June

If you can't think of what to do in the heat 🥵 - do consider attending our webinar 4 - 6.30pm ➡️today⬅️on multi-modal communication, particularly in relation to autism. Free to attend, online, bring a cool drink 🍹@uofgsocsci.bsky.social www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-i-comm...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Jessica Agnew-Blais

@agnewblais.bsky.social

22 June

Are you a UK-based clinician working w/ women who may present with ADHD symptoms during the menopausal transition? Pls consider taking part in our online focus groups on understanding barriers and facilitators to care. You can register your interest here: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/x8Gr6XwxZQ

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

The Lancet Reg Health-Europe

@lancetrh-europe.bsky.social

18 June

Replying to @lancetrh-europe.bsky.social

The largest gap between recorded diagnoses and prevalence estimates was observed in older adults, indicating many remain undiagnosed. An urgent need exists for diagnostic services that are adequately resourced and accessible across the lifespan.

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

The Lancet Reg Health-Europe

@lancetrh-europe.bsky.social

18 June

A population-based study of >42 million people in England found #ADHD diagnoses have risen markedly since 2020, yet recorded prevalence (1.19% in 2025) remains far below global estimates of ADHD prevalence. shorturl.at/WmBhP @gavrobstew.bsky.social

shorturl.atAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adults in England, 2000–2025: Recorded Prevalence and Diagnostic Trends in a Population-Based Observational Study Using Routinely Collected Pri...Findings provide a detailed picture of current diagnostic coverage and temporal change. Results indicate that although ADHD diagnoses have increased substantially over the past decade, recorded ADHD d...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Re:Spect Lab KCL

@respectlabkcl.bsky.social

17 June

Our last ARCH seminar of the academic year is here! Join us next week on June 24th to hear about care pathway outcomes for autistic people and others, presented by Celine El Baou from UCL. Interested? Tickets available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arch-semin...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

The British Academy

@britishacademy.bsky.social

17 June

Replying to @britishacademy.bsky.social

Interested in the wider conversation? Dr Gavin Stewart will be speaking at the British Academy's Ideas Festival on Saturday, where researchers and people with lived experience will explore how understandings of neurodiversity are evolving. Book your free ticket now 👇

thebritishacademy.ac.ukThe British Academy Ideas Festival - SaturdayThe British Academy Ideas Festival returns on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June. Celebrating bold thinking and unexpected discoveries from the histories that shape our identities to the forces influencin...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

The British Academy

@britishacademy.bsky.social

17 June

New research suggests that ADHD may still be under-recognised and underdiagnosed in England. Co-authored by Dr Gavin Stewart @gavrobstew.bsky.social, a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, the study draws on data from millions of patient records.🧵

independent.co.ukADHD diagnoses soar in UK but adults over 65 remain overlooked, study findsAbout 2.5million people in the UK have ADHD, NHS data shows. But researchers found cases are still under-diagnosed in older adults.

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

@kingsioppn.bsky.social

kcl.ac.ukADHD  may be under-diagnosed in adults across England | King's College LondonAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may still be under-recognised and under-diagnosed in England despite recent increases in diagnosis, according to a study led by researchers at King’s Co...

#ADHD  may still be under-recognised and under-diagnosed in England despite recent increases in diagnosis, according to new research from the IoPPN (@gavrobstew.bsky.social). @ucl.ac.uk and the @liverpooluni.bsky.social. www.kcl.ac.uk/news/adhdmay...

Really pleased that our new paper has been published in The Lancet Regional Health: Europe, looking at #ADHD prevalence and incidence over the past 25 years in England. You can find the paper (open access) here: doi.org/10.1016/j.la... ⬇️ More info below. @kingsioppn.bsky.social

Diagnosis often acts as a gatekeeper to receiving timely help and support. However, the majority of people with #ADHD will not yet have received a diagnosis and be unsupported, which needs to be urgently addressed. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

If you are interested in #ADHD and ageing, we have some longitudinal papers now out that might be of interest. Physical health in midlife: doi.org/10.1001/jama... Societal exclusion and psychological distress in midlife: doi.org/10.1038/s442...

We also found that #ADHD diagnoses have increased over time, particularly since 2020, but remain far below expected prevalence. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

When considering whether #ADHD is over- or under-diagnosed, our findings provide strong evidence of under-recognition and under-diagnosis. While under-diagnosis was estimated across the lifespan, among people aged 65+, an estimated 93% may be undiagnosed. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

We found that 1.19% of people had an #ADHD diagnosis recorded in their healthcare record, well below international prevalence estimates of 3-5%. Diagnosis rates also declined sharply with age, with only 0.05% of people aged 65+ having a recorded diagnosis. doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Dr Becky Wood

@thewoodbug.bsky.social

5 June

📢 The How I Communicate project will be holding an online webinar focusing on supporting & valuing the communication of minimally/non-speaking autistic young people 🙌 ➡️ 25th June, 4 - 7pm ➡️ Free ⬇️ Register below

nature.comThe association between autistic traits and trajectories of anxiety in middle-aged and older adults: an 8-year growth mixture model analysis - Nature Mental HealthEshetu and collaborators investigated anxiety comorbidity in later life among adults with elevated autistic traits, examining how anxiety symptoms unfold with aging in a large UK community sample.

Our new #AutRes paper is out in Nature Mental Health! We examined different trajectories of anxiety in midlife/older age and their relationship with autistic traits. And it was led by a wonderful former MSc and pre-doctoral fellow, Effie Eshetu. doi.org/10.1038/s442... More below ⬇️

We found 3 distinct anxiety trajectories. Two were low/stable, but the third increased into clinical concern. While middle-aged and older people w/ high autistic traits were found in all three trajectories, they were 4x more likely to be in the clinical concern trajectory. doi.org/10.1038/s442...

Anxiety is a pressing autistic community research priority. As chronic anxiety can impact health, our findings highlight the urgent need for increased, tailored support for autistic (or high autistic trait) people as they age. doi.org/10.1038/s442...

@rosahoekstra.bsky.social

We used annual follow-up data over an 8 year period from 5,270 people age 50-91 who took part in the PROTECT cohort. We used growth mixture modelling on the full sample to examine trajectories of anxiety symptoms over time, with follow-up tests related to autistic traits. doi.org/10.1038/s442...

Dr Gavin R. Stewart reposted

Prof Rosa Hoekstra

15 May

The @journalautism.bsky.social is 30! To celebrate this milestone the editorial team put together an anniversary issue with classic papers published in the journal. My pick is the first autism prevalence study in Africa. #AutRes Please find the full issue here: journals.sagepub.com/topic/collec...

journals.sagepub.comjournals.sagepub.com

journals.sagepub.comUnderstanding the impact of prior depressive and anxiety symptoms and autism diagnosis on menopause symptoms - Rebecca A. Charlton, Nell Fahey, William Mandy, Francesca Happé, Gavin R. Stewart, 2026Background There is growing awareness from qualitative research studies that menopause may be particularly challenging for autistic people. Research in the gene...

9 May

Our new open access #autres paper is now out, on #menopause in #autistic populations. Info below ⬇️ With @goldage.bsky.social, @nellfahey.bsky.social, Will Mandy, and @proffrancescahappe.bsky.social journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

9 May

Using longitudinal data, we found that pre-existing poor mental health is associated with later negative menopause experiences for autistic people. This aligns with the general population menopause literature. #autres journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...