Loneliness and Well-Being in Autistic Adults

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant difficulties in social functioning, including deficits in core social abilities and problems establishing and maintaining peer relationships. These social and interpersonal problems generally persist and sometimes worsen in adulthood, contributing to functional impairment. Despite the increase in ASD prevalence, few studies have focused on the experiences of autistic adults, or on the factors that may relate to their social and emotional functioning. 

There is considerable evidence that loneliness and social support have a strong influence on overall well-being in the general population. However, this has yet to be examined among adults with ASD. Contrary to historical assumptions, autistic individuals do not always prefer solitude and social isolation. They often want to develop relationships but face barriers in developing relationships due to social competence difficulties. Thus, loneliness appears to be a clinically important consideration for adults on the autism spectrum.

Research

A study published in the journal Autism examined the relations among loneliness, friendship, and emotional functioning in adults (N = 108) with autism spectrum disorders. Participants completed self-report measures of symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, loneliness, number and nature of friendships, depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. The results indicated that loneliness was associated with increased depression and anxiety and decreased life satisfaction and self-esteem, even after controlling for symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. In addition, greater quantity and quality of friendships were associated with decreased loneliness among adults with autism spectrum disorders. Multivariate models indicated that friendship did not moderate the relationship between loneliness and well-being; however, number of friends provided unique independent effects in predicting self-esteem, depression, and anxiety above and beyond the effects of loneliness.

Implications

This study provides an important evaluation of the social and emotional experiences of autistic adults. The findings extend current knowledge and highlight the clinical importance of loneliness. Significant correlations were found between loneliness and a number of negative emotional experiences, including increased depression and anxiety, and reduced well-being. Because individuals with ASD are already at increased risk of anxiety and depression, loneliness may represent an important factor in the developmental course of internalizing problems through adolescence and adulthood. A better understanding of the developmental course and consequences of loneliness is essential to inform our understanding of social and emotional well-being in autistic individuals. Lastly, strategies to reduce and prevent loneliness in adults with ASD should be important objectives for future research and clinical practice.

Mazurek, M. O. (2014). Loneliness, friendship, and well-being in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 18, 223-232. doi: 10.1177/1362361312474121
http://aut.sagepub.com/content/18/3/223

Lee A. Wilkinson, PhD is author of the award-winning books, A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools and Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum: A Self-Help Guide Using CBT. He is also editor of a text in the APA School Psychology Book Series, Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention in Schools. His latest book is A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools (2nd Edition).