‘Society Doesn’t Care About You’: A Qualitative Life-Mapping Study of Neurodivergent People's Experiences of Homelessness

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Blood, L., Williams, G., & Shaw, S. C. K. (2026). ‘Society Doesn’t Care About You’: A Qualitative Life-Mapping Study of Neurodivergent People's Experiences of Homelessness. Neurodiversity, 4. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330261447426

Publication date: 1 May 2026 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
3
Publication authors identified as autistic
2 / 3 (66.7%)
  1. Lauren Blood
  2. Gemma Williams *
  3. Sebastian Charles Keith Shaw *

Abstract

Neurodivergent people appear to be over-represented among homeless populations. Neurotypically-designed systems may exclude neurodivergent people, leading to increased economic hardship and likelihood of homelessness. The research was commissioned by a local authority, to better understand neurodivergent people's experiences of homelessness and accessing support in their region. Six participants shared their experiences through semi-structured interviews and life maps. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to determine patterns across participants’ experiences. Codes were organised into three main themes (a) Ambiguity and Grey Areas, particularly regarding diagnosis, (b) Falling Through the Gaps – critical points at which support was lacking, and (c) Moving Through the Maze – navigating support services. Findings suggest that persistent experiences of exclusion, without appropriate support, contributed towards participants becoming homeless. Participants appeared to internalise these experiences, impacting upon their sense of identity. Improving inclusion in all areas of life, including education and employment, is key to homelessness prevention.

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Cited references
45
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
9 / 45 (20.0%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
25 / 109 (22.9%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 25 / 58 (43.1%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 15 / 96 (15.6%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
58 / 109 (53.2%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 48 / 96 (50.0%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
33 / 58 (56.9%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 33 / 109 (30.3%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 33 / 48 (68.8%).
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