Eenzaamheid en autisme

Loneliness, defined as a mismatch between the desired and actual social connectedness, is a daily reality for many autistic people. Th is article highlights the complexities of loneliness and social connectedness, focusing on the perspectives of youth on the spectrum in the school context. School is the place where students meet and socialize. Yet, it is also where autistic students must process many stimuli, and often experience bullying, insults, misunderstanding, and ultimately loneliness. To build a school in which every student feels welcome and heard, and can develop optimally, the first step concerns the school environment. Many school environments are not sufficiently tailored to the diverse needs of autistic students, and other students who are not ‘mainstream’. Implicit values and norms are often applied in schools, which unintentionally disadvantage and exclude autistic students and promote stigmatization. Moreover, the physical environment of the school often makes it impossible for autistic students to socialize with fellow students when the need arises. Adjustments to school policy and architecture can contribute to an environment that is accessible, safe and pleasant for diverse students. Our research project ‘Build 4 Belonging’, which will start in 2024, focuses on the precondition for promoting equality of opportunity: an environment that is suitable for different types of students, based on individual wishes, needs and capabilities.