Defining Trajectories of Loneliness in Young Autistic Adults

PROJECT ABSTRACT The proposed longitudinal cohort study aims to understand the development of loneliness and social isolation among autistic young adults, focusing on the impact of social disruptions such as life transitions during young adulthood. Despite the growing concerns over loneliness affecting 27%-40% of young adults globally, very little is known about how changes such as shifts in service systems, employment status, educational transitions, and residential mobility impact the social connectedness and wellbeing of autistic young adults. Examining the projective and risk factors contributing to or mitigating the impact of social disruptions on loneliness is a critical starting point for developing effective intervention and implementation strategies. Young adulthood is a pivotal yet challenging phase for autistic individuals, marked by frequent social disruptions and diminished opportunities for meaningful social interactions. Unlike their neurotypical peers, autistic young adults face the layered challenges of navigating crucial life choices, such as employment, education, and social relationships, against a backdrop of losing familiar social structures and support systems previously provided by education settings. Moreover, this life stage often involves increased encounters with neurotypical-majority groups, where experiences of nonacceptance and misunderstanding can exacerbate feelings of disconnection, presenting unique social challenges. Our study will enroll 375 autistic young adults aged 18-30 who are approaching significant life transitions (e.g., starting a new job, entering college, or losing services. Over the course of two years, we will characterize the trajectories of loneliness and social isolation associated with these social disruptions, using latent growth mixture modeling to identify distinct subgroups and assess demographic variations. Then we will evaluate the association between changes in loneliness and social isolation and a range of adult outcomes, including social, health, and psychological dimensions. Using a mixed-method approach, we will delve into protective and risk factors—structural, interpersonal, and social—that influence the impact of social disruptions on loneliness, using both quantitative data and in-depth qualitative interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics. Guided by the meaningful interaction framework and insights from autistic community partners, the completion of this study will result in the most substantial work to date to identify modifiable interpersonal, system, and policy factors to mitigate the impact of social disruptions. This will inform targeted interventions and improve service delivery, enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of young autistic adults and addressing a pressing public health need.