Screening for Autism Spectrum Condition Through Inner City Homeless Services in the Republic of Ireland.

Researchers in Ireland looked at whether autistic people are more likely to be homeless. They worked with homeless services and found that about 12% of homeless people showed signs of autism (3% definite, 9% possible). This is much higher than expected compared to people who have homes. The study suggests autism might make it harder for people to find and keep housing, and harder to get help from services.

This Irish study screened homeless service users for autism spectrum disorder using keyworkers as proxy informants. Using the DSM-5-Autistic Traits in the Homeless Interview (DATHI) tool, researchers screened caseloads from 106 keyworkers across one of Ireland's leading homeless service providers. Results identified 3% of homeless individuals as 'present' for autistic traits and 9% as 'possibly present', suggesting a combined prevalence of 12%. These findings indicate autism may be significantly overrepresented in homeless populations compared to housed populations.

The study suggests autism could be both a risk factor for entering homelessness and a barrier to exiting homelessness and engaging with support services.

Results suggest homeless services should implement autism screening protocols and staff training. Autism-informed approaches may be needed for housing support and service engagement. Early identification could improve outcomes and reduce barriers to housing stability.

Study limited to one service provider in Ireland. Used proxy informants rather than direct assessment. DATHI screening tool requires validation. Sample size details not provided. Cross-sectional design cannot establish causality between autism and homelessness.

Homeless service users were screened for autism spectrum disorder through one of Ireland's leading not for profit service providers. Keyworkers acted as proxy informants; their caseloads were screened using the DSM-5-Autistic Traits in the Homeless Interview (DATHI). Client current and historical health and behaviour data was collated. A representative sample of 106 eligible keyworkers caseloads were screened, identifying 3% "present" and 9% "possibly present" for autistic traits with the DATHI.

These findings suggest a high estimate of autism prevalence and support emerging evidence that, people with autism are overrepresented in the homeless population, compared to housed populations. Autism may be a risk factor for entry into homelessness and a challenge to exiting homeless and engaging with relevant services.