Investigating the factors that contribute to unstable living accommodation in adults with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder

There is a paucity of research and theory to account for homelessness as
experienced by people with a diagnosis of autism. Historically, the terrain of
knowledge regarding both autism and homelessness has neglected to account for the views of those with personal experience. In response, this research shall develop a model of homelessness as experienced by people with a diagnosis of autism that prioritises the views of people with personal experience. This research is intended to inform the work of clinical psychologists when working with this group. A critical realist grounded theory was adopted due to its congruence with the research aims.
The grounded theory model "losing and gaining connection" was constructed from interview data provided by people with a diagnosis of autism who have personal experience of homelessness and professionals who offered them support. "Losing connection" was the dominant process that led up to homelessness. This process demonstrated how multiple contexts limited the lives of those with a diagnosis of autism. People with a diagnosis of autism responded to such limiting contexts through disconnecting with them, resulting in homelessness. "Gaining connection" was the dominant process during and following homelessness. This process demonstrates the ways in which people with a diagnosis of autism and their networks acted in flexible ways to respond and transform such contexts during and following homelessness. This study demonstrates the importance of developing and maintaining the connection that people with a diagnosis of autism have with others and makes recommendations for how this can be achieved.