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

Beth Stone*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)
177 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Autistic adults may be at increased risk of homelessness due to the association between autism spectrum disorders and poor socio-economic 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 socio-economic 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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-174
Number of pages6
JournalDisability and Society
Volume34
Issue number1
Early online date13 Jan 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2019

Keywords

  • autism
  • homelessness
  • pathways
  • socio-economic disadvantage
  • narrative

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