How is feeling connected to social groups linked to autistic adults’ mental well-being?

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Social identities reflect how people perceive their group memberships and form part of their sense of self. Previous research has linked identification with groups to better mental well-being, but there has been little research into the groups autistic people may belong to and how these might relate to mental health.

This survey-based study first examined the factor structure and reliability of a measure of social identification in autistic adults. It also investigated whether autistic adults answered questions about social groups similarly to non-autistic adults, what types and numbers of groups they identified with, and whether identification was associated with depression, anxiety and positive aspects of mental well-being. In total, 184 autistic adults completed an online survey about their demographics, social groups and mental health.

Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the factor structure was replicated in this sample for identification with other autistic people, but not for identification with family. The study also reported that autistic adults described their social groups similarly to non-autistic people.

Participants identified with varied types and numbers of groups. Some identified with no group, while others identified with up to four. Groups included other autistic people, family, friends, work colleagues and activity clubs, among others.

Identifying with more groups was associated with better reported mental well-being. Stronger identification with other autistic people and with family, as well as identification with more groups overall, was associated with less severe self-reported depression symptoms and more facets of positive mental health. The researchers concluded that it is important to facilitate autistic people’s engagement with social groups and give them opportunities to join groups meaningful to them, which may benefit their mental health.