Isolation is a critical issue for Autistic adults

The pervasive loneliness of Autism https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/

Sometimes, an article gets published that impacts me deeply on a personal level. Such is the case with this amazing article in Time magazine from the brilliant Hari Srinivasan

It opens: "Loneliness has long been a pervasive issue within the disability community, growing even more pronounced as individuals age...Ironically, relentlessly pursuing a disabled person’s greatest sign of “success”—independence—might be the very thing that’s setting many Autistics on a path towards profound loneliness and fragmented relationships."

Isolation is a critical issue for Autistic adults. It is often exacerbated by the pressure to "become an adult" and "live independently". Yet, Autistic individuals often find that their families are their only real support, but that societal norms stigmatize adults living with family.

Independence is a myth we are taught to chase in America when what we should be seeking to teach is interdependence.

No human lives independently. We all rely on other humans to get our needs and wants met. Whether we are talking about hiring an accountant to do your taxes, dropping your car off for an oil change, or having a person to assist with meal planning, it is all interdependence.

While striving for autonomy in adulthood is vital, it's also crucial to balance it with support and meaningful relationships with others. Acknowledging our innately human interdependent nature is essential if we intend to foster a more inclusive society for Autistics.

I highly recommend reading Hari's full piece below.