The Alienation of Autism
Editor’s Note: This article is the first of a two-part series which explores the nuanced variations of experience that often characterise autism spectrum. The aim of this series is to provide an insight into the variegated complexities and attributes that render each autistic individual’s life experience a unique and personal one. The second article, ‘The Value of Autism,’ can be read here.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, government attempts to control the spread of the disease through ‘social distancing’ (‘physical distancing’) and self-isolation measures have received widespread media coverage. In particular, it is noteworthy that a general consensus appears to have formed, according to which these practices—albeit necessary—have fostered a climate of social separation that is deemed to be incredibly alien.
For example, it is now commonplace to encounter anecdotal accounts detailing the difficulties faced when performing unfamiliar tasks, such as homeschooling young children or working from home. More worryingly, the consequent increase in social withdrawal has also exacerbated certain risks to already marginalised and vulnerable individuals, including victims of domestic abuse and those experiencing mental health concerns. As such, a recurring theme following these vital measures has been a destructive form of alienation.
However, a recent Good Morning Britain interview featuring Anne Hegerty—a renowned television quizzer who was diagnosed with autism in adulthood—has offered a contrasting, minority narrative. In expressing her guilt at feeling like ‘the luckiest person in the UK right now’ due to being ‘absolutely fine staying on [her] . . . own,’[1] she has highlighted a subtle irony that afflicts many autistic individuals during this unprecedented period. This irony is that, although we are presently encountering a world which unintentionally mirrors the isolation—deliberate or otherwise—that often characterises autism, the world still reveals itself to be a very misunderstanding one. In particular, the well-publicised struggle of many to adapt to these shifted expectations of social interaction—which include, for example, restrictions on gatherings and the mass closure of certain business-types in England[2]—inadvertently reinforces a sentiment that is often shared by those who identify as on the autism spectrum—a sense of being an alien on this earth.
‘Greetings, earthlings!’: an introduction to ‘wrong planet syndrome'
This impression of an absence of belonging—where one exists, metaphorically, as an alien among many non-aliens—can be a frequent feature of autism. Colloquially termed ‘wrong planet syndrome,’[3] this feeling of a profound disconnection from typical collective expectations—of not being ‘normal’[4]—is often complicated by the idiosyncrasies of each person’s situation. In particular, the very spectral nature of autism—where the presence and severity of symptoms may vary dramatically in each individual case—diversifies the experience of alienation. As such, while two autistic people may share the same feeling of being different, or alien, from their peers, the intricate circumstances and impact of their otherisation will be entirely unique to them.
In addition, environmental influences may enhance the difficulties encountered by autistic individuals, further entrenching their isolation. This interplay may arise in a school setting, for example, where a child with highly focused and narrow interests may become ostracised or may indeed choose to remain alone. It is also arguable that in a classical teaching environment—particularly when a child’s autism remains unidentified—one’s alienation from others may be cemented from an early age. For example, children who experience sensory overload or organisational problems may find themselves increasingly withdrawn in a class that encourages active verbal participation and group work.
Furthermore, the typically monolithic portrayals of traits associated with autism in popular media—such as the ‘autistic savant’[5] or the antisocial tendencies of characters like Dr Sheldon Cooper[6] in The Big Bang Theory—indirectly contribute to this estrangement. This is because such representation generally emphasises features more applicable to individuals occupying the furthest ends of the autism spectrum—often for astonishment or comedic purposes—thereby omitting the narratives of those with ambiguous or less ostensible traits. As such, many become hesitant to identify themselves with depictions of autism characteristics that generate widespread wonder or ridicule.
The frequent impact of this disconnection between, on the one hand, the incredible diversity of autism, and on the other, the unrelatability of an often-misunderstanding world is alienation—one invariably becomes accustomed to repeated external reminders that one does not quite ‘belong.’
Complexities surrounding the intersectionality of autism
The inevitable individuality of life can produce complex layers to autistic people’s experiences, creating a fluidity to the alienation dynamic. For example, late diagnosis—particularly in adolescence or adulthood—may sometimes clarify the trauma of childhood bullying or academic failure, a trauma which is often heightened by the tendency to blame oneself or be gaslighted by others. Consequently, some may receive this insight with relief, or even regret, often wishing to have certain ‘years of [their lives] back.’[7] As such, it is apparent that the intensity of an autistic individual’s possible isolation is not static, but is rather intertwined—for better or for worse—with the complexities of their life path.
Additionally, being female may obscure the extent of one’s alienation. In particular, it is believed that women and girls are more likely to camouflage certain features of autism—such as through endeavouring to maintain eye contact—which is arguably reflected in the estimated 4:1 male-to-female ratio of autism incidence.[8] Thus, for many women and girls, the difficulties of autism may go unnoticed.
Likewise, the presence of co-morbidity—where additional conditions co-occur with autism—may undermine recognition of the challenges encountered by some individuals. Here, the overlapping of varied symptoms—such as those attributable to ADHD or an anxiety disorder—individualises the complexities of autism, often delaying or confusing the diagnostic process.
Therefore, it is apparent that the intersectionality of autism with other characteristics that collectively mould one’s identity may trigger incredibly dynamic alienation possibilities. As such, this fluid changeability to the isolation experience becomes, for many, an inevitable consequence of a pervasive disconnection between, on the one hand, external recognition of autism, and, on the other, the layered dimensions of its uniquely vibrant spectrum.
The implications of the COVID-19 crisis
In the light of the rapid global movement to contain the spread of COVID-19—generally through the adoption of social distancing practices—it is arguable that many are indirectly acquiring a subtle and partial insight into the alienation that may be all-too-familiar to somebody who identifies as being on the autism spectrum. Ironically, such isolation may also develop as the inevitable consequence of an increasingly uncertain and unrelatable world—a world which one may struggle to recognise.
However, unlike the general understanding that accompanies our collective alienation during this COVID-19 crisis—according to which such estrangement from others is deemed vital—the alienation of an autistic individual is often quieter and without mutual recognition. In fact, the private implications of feeling like one does not quite ‘belong’ in a collectively misunderstanding environment may be the development of a destructive estrangement from oneself—an impression that you alone are to blame for the misunderstandings of this world.
As such, following the resilient adaptability demonstrated by some sectors—in the employment, where possible, of flexible structures to facilitate remote learning or working—I am hopeful that we will see a shift in perception. In particular, for autistic individuals who have been alienated by the rigidity of certain collective expectations, it may be empowering to note that it is for the world—rather than themselves—to change.
The irony of ‘social distancing’ is that, although we are presently encountering a world which unintentionally mirrors the isolation—deliberate or otherwise—that often characterises autism, the world still reveals itself to be a very misunderstanding one. Image source: Jeremy Sicile-Kira
It is arguable that in a classical teaching environment—particularly when a child’s autism remains unidentified—one’s alienation from others may be cemented from an early age. Image source: Aaron Burden
The frequent impact of the disconnection between, on the one hand, the incredible diversity of autism, and on the other, the unrelatability of an often-misunderstanding world is alienation—one invariably becomes accustomed to repeated external reminders that one does not quite ‘belong.’ Image source: Kasia Bogdańska
It is the author’s opinion that the intensity of an autistic individual’s possible isolation is not static, but is rather intertwined—for better or for worse—with the complexities of their life path. Image Source: ABC Life: Nathan Nankervis/Pexels
Following the resilient adaptability demonstrated by some sectors—in the employment, where possible, of flexible structures to facilitate remote learning or working—I am hopeful that we will see a shift in perception. Image source: healthline
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Sources Cited
[1] Cydney Yeates, ‘The Chase’s Anne Hegerty admits she’s “the luckiest person in the world” for enjoying self-isolating’ (METRO, 1 April 2020) <https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/01/chases-anne-hegerty-admits-luckiest-person-world-enjoy-self-isolating-coronavirus-pandemic-12491238/> accessed 3 April 2020.
[2] Hannah Baker, ‘Full list of UK retailers and businesses closing to “protect” shoppers, staff and future’ (BusinessLive, 24 March 2020) <https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/list-retailers-temporarily-closing-uk-17955975> accessed 2 April 2020.
[3] Sarah, ‘Wrong planet syndrome’ (National Autistic Society) <https://www.autism.org.uk/about/adult-life/resources/the-spectrum/alien-archive/issue-68-wrong-planet-syndrome.aspx> accessed 2 April 2020.
[4] Caroline Treweek and others, ‘Autistic people’s perspectives on stereotypes: An interpretative phenomenological analysis’ (2018) 23 Autism 759.
[5] Karl Knights, ‘Rain Man made autistic people visible. But it also entrenched a myth’ (The Guardian, 17 December 2018) <https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/dec/17/rain-man-myth-autistic-people-dustin-hoffman-savant> accessed 2 April 2020.
[6] The creators of The Big Bang Theory have expressly stated that Dr Sheldon Cooper’s character is not a representation of autism spectrum.
[7] Philippa Roxby, ‘Autism diagnosis: “I want 40 years of my life back”’ (BBC News, 30 December 2019) <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-50380411> accessed 4 April 2020.
[8] ‘Gender and autism’ (National Autistic Society) <https://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/gender.aspx> accessed 3 April 2020.