Are co-occurring learning difficulties in autism linked to advanced parental age? 

The link between learning difficulties in autism and advanced parental age is an area of growing interest. Children with autism often experience a range of co-occurring learning difficulties, such as challenges with language, motor skills, or executive function. But does the age of the parents play a role in the severity or presence of these additional difficulties? 

Advanced parental age has been associated with an increased risk of certain developmental issues, and some studies suggest that these factors may influence cognitive development in autism. When combined with autism, co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, intellectual disability, or learning disabilities may become more prominent, particularly in children born to older parents. This raises the question of whether the combination of age and autism could lead to a higher likelihood of these difficulties. 

How advanced age affects learning and development 

Here’s how learning difficulties in autism may be influenced by advanced parental age: 

Age-related genetic and neurodevelopmental factors  

Advanced parental age can lead to subtle genetic mutations, which may impact cognitive development in autism, contributing to co-occurring learning difficulties in some children. 

Impact of additional developmental challenges  

Older parents may face greater challenges in recognising or addressing co-occurring conditions, as learning difficulties may be masked or harder to diagnose in younger children. 

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations to understand how learning difficulties in autism intersect with age-related factors in your child’s development. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Advanced Parental Age.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.