The phenomenon of human longevity is being experienced worldwide. Adults are living longer than ever before, including adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Dr. Coyle’s talk will summarize what we know about aging with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities; and her talk will highlight the primary challenges that researchers face in understanding the key issues facing adults aging with I/DD. Following Caitlin’s presentation, there will be three first-person perspectives given by Mark Goodman, David Stamps and Donna Courtois.

Dr. Coyle is a research fellow and adjunct professor of gerontology at UMass Boston. She earned her doctorate in gerontology from UMass Boston and also worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Health Policy & Management at the Yale School of Public Health. Her research interests include mixed methodology as well as the social aspects of health and community living among older adults with a specific emphasis on social isolation, aging with lifelong disability. She has extensive experience working as a research partner to community-based organizations. Her work informs planning, development, and improvement to the services and supports being provided to older adults and people with disabilities.