A new study has found severe links between autism and homelessness

It has long been suggested, based on anecdotal evidence and small studies, that people with autism may be more at risk of becoming homeless. There have also been suggestions that homeless autistic people find it harder to reach support.

Now, the first ever significant peer-reviewed study into autism and homelessness supports that evidence, finding that autistic people face an elevated risk of becoming homeless.

Research conducted by Alasdair Churchard, Morag Ryder and William Mandy from UCL, alongside Andrew Greenhill from Kensington and Chelsea Learning Disability Service, was published this week in the journal Autism.

If autistic difficulties are common among homeless populations, then this has important implications

The research found strong evidence suggesting that autistic adults are over-represented among the homeless population. It found that 12.3 per cent of the 106 rough sleepers that were screened “showed strong signs of autistic traits that would be consistent with an autism diagnosis.” This is a much higher proportion than the one per cent of people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the general population (though the researchers stress it is not clear that this 12 per cent would all be diagnosed, their screening suggested they could be).

“If autistic difficulties are common among homeless populations, then this has important implications,” the researchers said.

Because among more than 5,000 people sleeping rough in the UK, 300,000 people in hostels, temporary shelters or unsuitable or overcrowded accommodation and countless more classed as hidden homeless, there are likely to be a “considerable number of homeless autistic adults who are not having their needs met and who are in an extremely vulnerable position.”

Alasdair Churchard said: “It is well known that life for homeless people is extremely mentally and physically hard, and those who are autistic are likely to have additional vulnerabilities which would only make their lives more difficult.”

Two years ago, the National Autistic Society called on the government to close the Autism Employment Gap, having found that just 16 per cent of autistic adults are in full time work. Now it seems more action is required.

Homeless autistic people have gone unrecognised and unsupported for far too long

Sarah Lambert, head of policy at the National Autistic Society, said: “It’s well established that many autistic people struggle to get the support they need and face huge difficulties throughout their lives, including high rates of mental health problems, underemployment and social isolation. This is the first peer-reviewed study to provide initial evidence of a link between autism and homelessness.

“We now need further research to investigate this link, to develop the right support for homeless autistic people and to prevent those at risk from falling into homelessness.

“Homeless autistic people have gone unrecognised and unsupported for far too long.”

Homelessness of autistic people needs to be addressed on every level

Responding to the new research, autism awareness campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE told The Big Issue: “As a parent of two young men on the autistic spectrum this is heartbreaking. There is no excuse for leaving so many vulnerable members of society with very little or no support.

“Homelessness of autistic people needs to be addressed on every level – from inadequate employment to insufficient services. Everyone deserves a safe place to live and autistic adults are no different.”

Image: Flickr/Dominic Alves