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Writer's pictureNeurodiversity in Law
Jul 165 min read

Does society accept the autistic community, or is it merely lip service and tolerance?

(Originally posted on 30 April 2024 via LinkedIn here)

Multicolour graphic of a rectangle box with an orange shadow with the text "Does society accept the autistic community, or is it merely lip service and tolerance?". A headshot of Trustee, Chris in a circle at the bottom left of the rectange overlapping the background. Text on the bottom right, outside of the rectangle which says "An article for Autism Acceptance Month by Trustee, Christopher Porter-Blake".

An article at the close of Autism Acceptance Month by Neurodiversity in Law Trustee, Christopher Porter-Blake. Chris has a combined diagnosis of ASD (Asperger syndrome), ADHD, and Dyslexia. 


Chris has chosen to use Autism Acceptance Month to highlight the difficulties faced by many autistic individuals. Whilst it is only right that the community celebrates its neurodivergence, it is also crucial to address the disparity in how society continues to treat autistic individuals. 


The elephant in the room


I'd like to address the elephant in the room: the term ‘spectrum’. It’s possibly one of my least favourite phrases to be thrust upon the autistic community. Mostly because it tells society nothing and often leads to an inability to predict needs or even feel comfortable exploring those needs.


The problem with the term ‘spectrum’ is that it leaves an awful lot to the imagination when people are expected to make reasonable adjustments. What will this person need?  How will they present in distress? What have they found useful in the past? Everyone with autism is different, and our strengths and challenges are as unique to us as our fingerprint or DNA. Some may struggle with last-minute change, whereas some may revel in the challenge. To me, these are the pitfalls with the phrase ‘spectrum’:


  • Focuses on a range, not individual needs: The spectrum metaphor implies a linear scale from "mild" to "severe" autism. This can overshadow the fact that autism presents itself differently in each person. Someone with significant challenges in one area may have exceptional strengths in another. Focusing on the spectrum can downplay the complexities and genuine daily struggles some autistic people face.

  • Minimises the impact of challenges: Because "spectrum" suggests a range, it can sometimes lead to the misconception that autism is always a mild condition. This can be insensitive to those who experience significant challenges due to their autism. It might lead to someone saying "you can't be that autistic" if you struggle in a particular situation but not others.

  • Medicalises a neurotype: The term "spectrum disorder" places autism firmly in the realm of medicine, emphasising the ways it deviates from the norm. This can downplay the idea of autism as a neurotype, a different way of experiencing the world, rather than something inherently wrong.


 

Why are women less likely to be diagnosed with autism?


For many autistic women, the path to diagnosis is riddled with roadblocks. One significant hurdle is the misconception that autism primarily presents itself in a way more commonly seen in boys. This often leads to a misdiagnosis of borderline personality disorder (“BPD”), mostly due to the notably large overlap in symptoms: emotional intensity, difficulty with social interactions, intense attachments and the like. However, the root causes fundamentally differ. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how the brain processes information; BPD is a personality disorder shaped by a complex interplay of genetics and environment.

The social masking often employed by autistic women further complicates matters. They may learn to mimic social behaviour, leading to a missed diagnosis of autism and an emphasis on emotional expression, potentially leading to a BPD diagnosis. This misdiagnosis can be detrimental. BPD treatment focuses on emotional regulation, while autistic individuals benefit more from therapies that address social communication challenges and sensory sensitivities.


Thankfully, the tide is turning with increased awareness of how autism presents differently in women and girls. This allows mental health professionals (when adequately resourced to do so) to conduct more thorough assessments that take into account the full spectrum of autistic traits, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate support. 


 

Does society adequately protect those with autism from sexual assault?


Individuals with autism are disproportionately vulnerable to sexual assault. Studies reveal a disturbing trend: autistic adults report much higher rates of sexual violence compared to the neurotypical population.


Research suggests a range of 77% to 64% of autistic adults have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime, with some studies indicating rates as high as 90% for autistic women. This stands in stark contrast to the general population, where around 1 in 3 women experience sexual violence.


Several factors contribute to this increased risk. Difficulties with social cues, communication, and understanding boundaries may make autistic individuals less likely to recognise or report assault. Additionally, predators may target them due to a perceived ease of manipulation.


The profound emotional impact of sexual assault can be compounded for those with autism. Difficulties processing emotions and social interactions can make it even harder to cope with the trauma.


These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and support. Educational programs can equip autistic individuals with tools to identify risky situations and assert boundaries. Additionally, training for law enforcement and mental health professionals can ensure a more sensitive and supportive response to reports of sexual assault from the autistic community.


 

Vulnerable Targets: The Increased Risk of Violence Against Autistic People


Autistic individuals face a disturbing reality: they are significantly more likely to be victims of violence and hate crimes compared to the neurotypical population. Studies suggest they are two to four times more likely to experience violent assault. This heightened vulnerability stems from several factors.


Firstly, social communication challenges can make it difficult for autistic people to recognise or avoid potentially dangerous situations. They may struggle to understand social cues that signal danger or misread the intentions of others.

Secondly, autistic traits like restricted interests or repetitive behaviours can make them targets for bullying and harassment. This can escalate into physical violence, especially for children and adolescents.


Finally, some perpetrators may view autistic people as easy targets due to a perceived lack of awareness or ability to defend themselves. This vulnerability can be particularly heightened for those with intellectual disability alongside autism.

The impact of these crimes goes beyond physical harm. The emotional trauma can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. Recognising this increased risk is crucial. Educational programs can equip autistic individuals with safety strategies while training for law enforcement ensures a sensitive and supportive response to these crimes.


 

Increased Risk of Violence Against Autistic People: Statistics and References


  • Prevalence: A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (Jaffe et al., 2014) found that autistic adults are 2.8 times more likely to report experiencing violent victimisation compared to the general population.

  • Hate Crimes: A report by the Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN, 2016) suggests that autistic people are four times more likely to be victims of hate crimes.

  • Vulnerability Factors: Research published in Autism Research (Hull et al., 2017) highlights the link between social communication difficulties and increased vulnerability. The study suggests autistic traits like restricted interests can make individuals targets for bullying that can escalate to violence.


 

So, what can society do to improve the lives of autistic individuals?

Instead of presuming someone's disability or its impact on their day-to-day life, simply ask one question: how can I help? This could be something as simple as a quiet space, a glass of water or something a little more time-consuming, such as ensuring someone makes it home ok. However, when you ask the question, be prepared to follow through and assist the individual to the best of your ability. Also, be mindful that something trivial to you may, in fact, be overwhelming for them. 


It’s small, straightforward changes that can make a world of difference for the autistic community.

 

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