The Reality of Parental Estrangement Among Autistic Adults

Autistic adults experience higher rates of parental estrangement due to childhood trauma, forced masking, ableism, and a lack of familial understanding or acceptance. Many face rejection when setting boundaries, unmasking, or receiving a late diagnosis, leading to emotional distress and the difficult choice of distancing themselves for self-preservation. While estrangement can be painful, healing is possible through community support, chosen family, and reclaiming autonomy in relationships.