As Autism Awareness Month kicks off, our Communications Coordinator Yasmina shares her experience.

As a spectrum condition, autism manifests in many ways for different people. It’s a complex, lifelong developmental disability that affects how individuals perceive the world and interact with those around them.  

Young people on the autism spectrum are at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness and face unique challenges when navigating this. Research suggests that 12.3% of people experiencing homelessness are autistic, compared with 1-2% of the general population [Homeless Link]. I was one of them. 

Research indicates that autistic people can encounter significant barriers when it comes to social communication, emotional regulation, and daily tasks such as budgeting, which can make navigating homelessness services particularly challenging.

When I experienced homelessness, I really struggled to budget my money. I used to spend money on my special interests, such as Lego, rather than budgeting for food or money for a hostel.  

I found it difficult to control my emotions and would get easily overwhelmed in public and in social situations. It took me a long time to overcome my selective mutism. This is when I chose not to speak to people, and I found it very anxiety inducing. It made going to university and work extremely difficult, and reaching out for support felt near impossible.  

I received counselling while attending university and having that space for an hour where I could cry, or scream, really helped. When I started living in temporary accommodation, I received support to help me build routine, which helped me regulate my emotions a little bit better.  

I remember looking back thinking, ‘I am never going to get through this’ but with time and the right support my situation improved.  

Many others face difficulties like these, leading to isolation and relationship breakdowns that further compound their vulnerability. Without appropriate support like I had, these young people can become trapped in a cycle of homelessness. 

Supporting young people with autism can admittedly be complex. It requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment.  

But by providing accessible resources and creating more awareness, the housing support sector can make a transformative difference in the lives of autistic young people, steering them away from homelessness and towards a more stable and fulfilling future.