(Aging Untold) — For neurodiverse older Americans, staying focused and on track can get harder when retirement or health changes take away routines. The term neurodivergent refers to people who process information in a way that is not typical for their age, according to Northwestern Medicine.Many...
Key takeaway And I think about energy level, how much energy it takes to manage your whatever the diagnosis is,” Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, said.
Why this matters in The Midland
In Midland , where a significant portion of the population is nearing or has reached retirement age, understanding neurodiversity in older adults takes on particular significance. As local healthcare providers and families navigate the complexities of aging, recognizing the differences between neurodivergent conditions and dementia will be crucial. The Permian Basin's aging population, like Sam Cradduck, may have lived with undiagnosed conditions for decades, developing coping mechanisms that have allowed them to thrive. However, as energy levels wane and support structures change, these individuals may require tailored support to manage their conditions effectively. Local caregivers, healthcare providers, and social services will need to be equipped to distinguish between neurodiversity and dementia, asking the right questions to provide appropriate care. By doing so, they can help older adults in Midland maintain their independence and quality of life, even as they face the challenges of aging.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — For neurodiverse older Americans, staying focused and on track can get harder when retirement or health changes take away routines. The term neurodivergent refers to people who process information in a way that is not typical for their age, according to Northwestern Medicine.Many...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau, Amy Amy Cameron O’Rourke, Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Rhea Rogers at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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