Member-only story
Understanding Loneliness and Autism: Emma’s Story
Emma’s story highlights societal barriers and the need for inclusion over personal resilience.
A few days ago, an article in the Belgian newspaper De Morgen caught my attention. Among the featured individuals was Emma, a 30-year-old living in the Limburg town of Alken. While shifting tiles on her Rummikub board, she shared her story of loneliness — one portrayed as both relatable and inspiring. However, upon deeper reflection, Emma’s experience reveals a broader issue: the societal expectations placed on autistic individuals.
Loneliness: More Than Isolation
Emma’s observation is striking: “Loneliness is often seen as being alone, but you can feel lonely even when surrounded by people.” The article suggests that loneliness is primarily an individual issue for autistic people to resolve. However, research tells a different story. Studies published in Autism in Adulthood highlight external factors, like social exclusion and misunderstanding, as major contributors to loneliness among autistic people.
Autistic individuals often describe feeling as though they speak a different language or come from another world. This sentiment is tied to the broader issue of miscommunication — not just between…
