Aging and Executive Function (Episode 118)

An episode that turns the hands of time.

Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:

* On today’s episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela take a deep dive into executive functioning and how it shifts over time as we age.

* Our hosts explore the evolving demands on executive functioning, from managing basic hygiene and meals to handling responsibilities like paying rent, bills, driving, and working as we grow older.

* We discuss how advancements in technology and evolving systems have increased executive functioning demands—such as navigating self-checkout, managing multiple streaming service payments, and handling other modern responsibilities.

* Then, we dive into unsolicited neurotypical advice on managing executive function—like “just use a calendar” or the dreaded “think positively!”—and why these suggestions often miss the mark.

* We then explore the connection between executive functioning and autistic inertia, as well as how body doubling can be a helpful strategy.

* Next, we discuss masking in the corporate world and why it simply doesn’t work for autistic individuals.

* Our hosts share their personal unmasking journeys and discuss how to navigate the shift toward authenticity.

* We then dive into the often comorbid health conditions that commonly accompany autism, including but not limited to PMDD, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

* Finally, we discuss the impact of trauma and CPTSD on autistic lives, as well as the intersection of autism and menopause.

“When you get older and you have the kids and you have the house and you have the job and the responsibilities - that’s when the executive functioning fails.” - Matt

“This is also a reason why the unemployment rate for autistics is much higher than for neurotypicals. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person. It doesn’t mean that you’re lazy. It doesn’t mean that you don’t have intellectual functioning ability. It’s just that you’re working with a lot more system requirements. You can’t play the game that other people play because your PC is maxed out with all these other system requirements and other people aren’t.” - Matt

Did you enjoy this episode? We explored executive functioning in autistic lives, from shifting responsibilities as we age to the impact of masking, comorbid conditions, and trauma. Tune in as we discuss strategies like body doubling and unmasking, and share your thoughts using #AutisticCultureCatch!

Show Notes:Studies on Glucose and Autism/ADHD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3872650/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3502233/https://www.addrc.org/the-potential-impact-of-brain-glucose-levels-on-the-manifestation-of-adhd-symptomsArticle: The Complexities of Aging: Addressing the Unique Needs of Autistic Eldershttps://autismspectrumnews.org/the-complexities-of-aging-addressing-the-unique-needs-of-autistic-elders/ Webinar: Shared Stories, Shared Experiences: International Research on Autism and Menopausehttps://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/asd-id-core-knowledge/shared-stories-shared-experiences-international-research-on-autism-and-menopauseRelated Episodes:Productivity is Autistic

Meat Body Maintenance

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