Adults With Autism Experience Acute Loneliness In Part Due To Sensory Differences

The sensory differences among adults with autism are associated with higher levels of loneliness and poor mental health than the levels experienced by neurotypical adults. The sensory differences common with autism are also associated with higher risk of negative physical and mental health consequences of loneliness.

These findings were detected in surveys and interviews with adults with autism. The researchers noted that standardized loneliness questionnaires administered to adults with autism may not capture the distinction between those who choose solitude and those experiencing distress caused by loneliness. In interviews with adults with autism, the participants described experiencing pain due to . . .