‘The domino effect’: pathways in and out of homelessness for autistic adults

Abstract

Autistic adults may be at increased risk of homelessness due to the association between autism spectrum disorders and poor socioeconomic outcomes. In particular, social vulnerability, unemployment, and difficulty interacting with services can be catalysts for homelessness, compounded by lack of diagnosis and appropriate support. This article presents the narratives of two autistic adults, known as 'Max' and 'Peter', who had experienced homelessness. They explain the factors which led them to become homeless and those that aided their rehabilitation. The article argues that whilst Max and Peter were susceptible to the socioeconomic disadvantages which affect adults with autism in various ways, the resilience and determination displayed in their narratives countered traditional stereotypes of resistance to change. Furthermore, it is suggested that homelessness is not an outcome of autism, but of the disabling barriers autistic adults face throughout their lives.

What Is Autistic Burnout? A Thematic Analysis of Posts on Two Online Platforms

“…The consequences of burnout were dire for some adults in our study, including homelessness and institutionalization. Their experiences were similar to a case study of two previously homeless autistic men who described homelessness as a ''domino effect'' of multiple factors, including discrimination and societal stigma, stressful life events, and employment difficulties, 68 highlighting the urgent need for autism acceptance and adequate supports to prevent adverse outcomes.…”

Understanding Suicide Risk in Autistic Adults: Comparing the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in Autistic and Non-autistic Samples

“…'Social camouflaging' (masking autistic mannerisms to 'fit in') (Hull et al 2017), and the 'double empathy problem' (expectation that autistic people communicate social preferences and emotional states according to non-autistic norms) (Milton 2012) reduce reciprocity in social interactions and could confer additional risk for thwarted belonging that feels hopeless and permanent (Joiner 2005). Autistic adults frequently report experiences indicative of perceived burdensomeness, such as higher levels of unemployment (National Autistic Society 2016), incarceration (Fazio et al 2012), homelessness (Stone 2019), physical illness (Cashin et al 2016;Hirvikoski et al 2016) and lower self-esteem (Williamson et al 2008) than non-autistic people. Research reports associations between unmet support needs, burdensomeness, poor mental health and suicidality (Camm-Crosbie et al 2018;Cassidy et al 2018b).…”

How Do Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Participate in the Labor Market? A German Multi-center Survey

“…One of the largest societal cost components of supporting an individual with ASD in the UK and the USA is productivity loss as a result of lost or disrupted employment (Buescher et al, 2014). Furthermore, unemployment leads to a low quality of life in adults with ASD and is associated with social isolation, stress, mental health problems and an increased risk of homelessness (Baker et al, 2019;Kamio et al, 2013;Paul & Moser, 2009;Stone, 2019;Taylor & Hodapp, 2012).While the few mentioned studies are a first important examination of the employment status of adults with ASD in Germany, the samples consisted of clinically mostly late-diagnosed individuals, who predominately present high psychosocial adjustments only (Lehnhardt et al, 2012). Further, existing studies did not address adults with co-occurring ID in their surveys.…”