“My Autism is Linked with Everything”: at the Crossroads of Autism and Diabetes

Abstract

AbstractAutistic adults experience stark health disparities and difficulties accessing health care. Their realities of managing complex health conditions are unknown. Our research explored the experience of Autistic adults self-managing diabetes. Interviews with Autistic adults with diabetes and their support people were thematically analysed to identify three key themes. The Autistic experience influenced diabetes self-management, including autism-unique challenges and strengths. Participants prioritised avoiding Autistic burnout over diabetes self-management; mitigating the psychosocial pressures of neurotypical systems took precedence. Health professionals often separated autism and diabetes subsequently overlooking key factors impacting diabetes self-management. To better meet the needs of Autistic adults, diabetes care and health management more broadly should be considered within the context of autism, including supports for self-management during Autistic burnout.