Author: Lizzie Osborn
Osborn, Lizzie, 2023 Estimating the probability of homelessness for individuals on the autism spectrum: known risk factors or specific characteristics?, Flinders University, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
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A number of risk factors may lead to an individual becoming homeless. Conversely, some factors offer a person protection from homelessness cycles. Certain populations may be especially vulnerable to becoming homeless, including individuals with mental health conditions, disabilities or neurodivergence, due to their unique characteristics. The link between autism and homelessness has been given little empirical attention. Yet, a recent systematic review indicated a high prevalence of autism in homeless populations, ranging from 2.8% (O’Donovan et al., 2020) to 50% (Osborn & Young, 2022; Pritchard, 2010 ). This study investigated whether there are specific characteristics unique to people on the autism spectrum that could increase their vulnerability to homelessness and aimed to identify both risk and protective factors for this group.
First, a systematic review was conducted, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to develop an in-depth understanding of the existing research. After completing the PRISMA screening process on 870 articles, 17 articles were included in the review (inclusion: English, focus on Autism and homelessness; Exclusion: ambiguous measures). These reported a higher-than-average rate of autism among homeless people and found that the homelessness risk factors for autistic individuals included lack of family relationships and opportunities, as well as co- occurring conditions. The specific autistic characteristics reported as connected with homelessness included sensory sensitivities, communication differences and rigidity.
Second, to identify relevant autistic characteristics related to homelessness, qualitative data was obtained. Five focus groups were conducted with a total of 33 participants—18 currently homeless neurotypical participants, 10 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and 5 with a diagnosis of autism and prior experiences of homelessness—to identify what circumstances or behaviours contributed to homelessness. Three autistic characteristics were identified as contributors to homelessness risk: communication differences, restricted and repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivities. These led to people being unable to find their place in society, having problems with work, experiencing practical limitations and needing support. Family support and specialised support were considered the strongest protective factors.
Finally, quantitative data was collected from 333 individuals based on their diagnostic and homeless status. Participants were recruited online (non-autistic/ non homeless, n=55), through autism specific services (ASD n= 117), and homeless services (homeless n=77). An online questionnaire was used to investigate the effects of known homelessness risk factors and autistic characteristics and make comparisons between autistic and non-autistic groups.
Bayesian hierarchical modelling approaches demonstrated the important contribution of autistic characteristics to homelessness risk, particularly in the absence of a diagnosis, showing that the probability of homelessness increased individuals presenting with more autistic characteristics.
Both the qualitative and quantitative studies show that specific attention should be given to providing adequate services for people with autistic characteristics such as communication differences, sensory sensitivities, rigidity, attention-switching, attention to detail and imagination differences. The relationship between these factors and homelessness risk was found to be affected by social support and service provider involvement. In the absence of service support, it is most often families (particularly parents) who protect autistic individuals from homelessness through strong advocacy and ongoing housing support. A number of clinical and policy-development implications are discussed, including the importance of screening, as well as advocacy and specialised support, for those on the autism spectrum.
Keywords: Autism and homelessness, Risk factors, Autistic characteristics, probability
Subject: Psychology thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2023
School: College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
Supervisor: Prof Robyn Young