Experiences of Loneliness and Connection for Autistic Young People: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Evidence suggest that autistic young people are vulnerable to feeling lonely, with detrimental consequences for their wellbeing. This systematic review sought descriptions of loneliness and connection by autistic young people. The findings summarise how loneliness has been conceptualised, measured and reported for autistic young people and offer a list of strategies that are personally meaningful and promote connection and wellbeing. Three conclusions are reached: first, there is a paucity of research on how this group experience loneliness; second, descriptions of feeling connected are mostly limited to neuronormative descriptions of friendship, which can judge autistic behaviours as inadequate; third, loneliness must be reconceptualised, and appropriate assessment tools developed. These developments should be supported by research with participation of the autistic community.