DCU research recommends improvements in homeless prevention and intervention for adults with autism
A new report by researchers at Dublin City University, exploring estimated autism prevalence and service experiences of homeless autistic adults has called for urgent action to address the barriers preventing autistic homeless people from accessing relevant supports. The report was funded under the National Disability Authority’s Research Promotion Scheme 2019 entitled: “People with a Disability Experiencing Homelessness”.
In this first Irish study, the researchers established a prevalence rate of autistic traits among a representative Irish homeless population of 106 adults at 2.8% increasing to 9.4% when the possible presence of autistic traits are also considered. This estimate is alarming given that the estimated autism prevalence rate for the housed population in Ireland is 1-1.5%
The researchers also analysed narratives of adult autistic homeless services users and found that they had experienced psychological trauma and bullying, family breakdown, stigma and shame in youth.
As adults they experienced identity issues, social and health marginalisation, homelessness, mental distress and addiction. Homelessness and addiction services did not adequately recognise/address their autism related strengths and challenges.
The autism related skills and knowledge of practitioners in homeless services were an additional focus of the research. In a survey of 206 homelessness practitioners, 92% highlighted low levels of autism support in homeless services and many identified themselves as under confident/under competent in supporting people with autism. 80% called for autism specific training.
The report calls for increased investment in diagnostic training, services and support for ASD in childhood and adolescence in order to prevent marginalisation among this population.
Recommendations are made urging greater coordination between relevant organisations regarding the development of clear pathways to diagnosis and service provision for adults with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) generally and in homeless contexts in particular.
It also makes a series of recommendations regarding the need for development in research, policymaking and practitioner education in order to improve understanding, interventions and service provision for adults with autism at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.
The report Adult Autism in Homelessness: Prevalence, Experiences and Support Needs in an Irish Context - A Mixed Methods Study was commissioned by the National Disability Authority (NDA) and carried out by Dr Briege Casey, Dr Mary Rose Sweeney and Dr Andrew Boilson, DCU School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health in collaboration Dr Alasdair Churchard, University College London, in partnership with the Dublin Simon Community and Dublin Region Homeless Executive.
It will be launched today (December 8th) as part of a virtual event hosted by the National Disability Authority.
Dr Briege Casey said,
“This research, the first of its kind in Ireland, illuminates the lived experiences of people navigating autism and homelessness as well as the gaps in service planning and provision for this population. We look forward to the implementation of the study recommendations.”
Dr Mary Rose Sweeney said,
“This project supports the emerging evidence that individuals with autism are overrepresented amongst those who are homeless and therefore may be a risk factor contributing to homelessness.”
Helen Guinan, Chairperson of the National Disability Authority, stated,
“We are delighted to fund the Research Promotion Scheme that always produces high quality research relating to disability. The theme of the 2019 funding -homelessness and disability- is topical and involves a complex mix of issues. The two research studies that we funded allow the voices of persons with disabilities to be heard and illustrate the issues that are central to these groups. They highlight the importance of providing person-centered services that support persons with disabilities throughout their lives”.