Loneliness in autistic adults: A systematic review

Kana Grace*, Anna Remington, Brynmor Lloyd-Evans, Jade Davies, Laura Crane

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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Abstract

In this systematic review, we examined quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies on loneliness in autistic adults. A total of 1460 articles were identified, and 34 of these met inclusion criteria. Results demonstrated that (1) there is a paucity of qualitative data providing first-hand descriptions of loneliness from autistic adults; (2) few empirical studies have used reliable/valid measures of loneliness developed specifically for autistic adults, and in just one study was a measure of loneliness developed for, and validated in, autistic adults; (3) the collective dimension of loneliness (i.e. belonging in society) has been described by autistic adults, yet has not been investigated as frequently as the intimate (i.e. romantic relationships) or relational (i.e. friend/family relationships) dimensions of loneliness; (4) the factors associated with increased loneliness in autistic adults include autistic characteristics, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, negative experiences and learned helplessness, a lack of autism understanding and acceptance, sensory avoidance, camouflaging and unemployment; and (5) the factors associated with decreased loneliness in autistic adults include having relationships, participation in social skill interventions and/or experiencing fewer difficulties with social skills, positive views and acceptance of oneself, being female and time spent engaging in activities (e.g. online gaming). Directions for future research are considered.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2117–2135
Number of pages19
JournalAutism
Volume26
Issue number8
Early online date8 Mar 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

Keywords

  • adults
  • autism
  • loneliness
  • relationships
  • systematic review

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