April 28, 2025
Autism Acceptance Month: Recognizing the Overlap Between Autism and Homelessness—and How Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless Responds
April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time to celebrate the neurodiversity of individuals on the autism spectrum and to deepen our understanding of the challenges they face. One of the lesser-known, but deeply important, realities is the intersection between autism and homelessness. At Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH), we recognize that providing truly inclusive and equitable care means meeting the unique needs of all people—especially those who are neurodivergent.
The Overlooked Connection: Autism and Homelessness
While statistics on autism and homelessness are limited, emerging research and frontline experience indicate that autistic individuals are at greater risk of housing instability. Challenges can begin early—barriers to social connection, lack of accessible and inclusive education, employment discrimination, underdiagnosis (especially among women and people of color), and limited access to supportive services can all contribute to poverty and eventual homelessness.
Many neurodivergent individuals face systems that aren’t built for them—whether it’s social services, healthcare, or housing programs. Without proper support, autistic people can fall through the cracks, leading to prolonged episodes of isolation, depression, homelessness and compounding trauma.
How AHCH Responds
At Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, we believe health care is a human right, and that includes meeting people exactly where they are—physically, emotionally, and neurologically. Our model of care is rooted in harm reduction, trauma-informed approaches, and respect for the autonomy and dignity of every individual.
Here’s how we strive to support neurodivergent individuals, including autistic people:
- Integrated, Person-Centered Care: Our interdisciplinary teams offer medical, behavioral health, case management, and outreach services in one connected network. This makes it easier for individuals who struggle with navigating complex systems to receive coordinated care in a more accessible way.
- Trauma-Informed Services: Many autistic people have experienced trauma—both from their lived experiences and from systems that have not recognized or respected their needs. Our providers are trained to deliver care with compassion and understanding, minimizing re-traumatization and honoring each person’s unique ways of communicating and processing.
- Low-Barrier Access: We meet people where they are—literally and figuratively. Our street outreach teams, drop-in services, and on-site clinics reduce the need for appointments, paperwork, or formal diagnoses, which can often be overwhelming or inaccessible to those on the spectrum.
- Advocacy and Systems Change: AHCH not only provides care—we also advocate for policies and systems that are more inclusive of neurodivergent people. This includes pushing for better access to housing, mental health supports, and developmental services for people experiencing homelessness.
- ArtStreet: ArtStreet at AHCH is also a program that supports neurodivergent individuals who need a sensory-kind space to process the world. Led by a certified Art Therapist in AHCH’s behavioral health department, ArtStreet is a client-guided space that offers several creative outlets for expressing as well as a community of peers in a judgement-free space. To learn more about how ArtStreet offers healing read: Healing vs. Curing: Art as Health Care – ABQHCH
Honoring Neurodiversity, Ending Homelessness
This Autism Acceptance Month, we invite our community to expand the conversation: Let’s talk not only about autism in schools and workplaces, but also on the streets and in shelters. Let’s listen more deeply to the voices of autistic individuals with lived experience of homelessness. And let’s keep pushing for a world where everyone—regardless of how they think, communicate, or navigate the world—has access to health care, housing, and dignity.
At AHCH, we know that ending homelessness means building a system that works for everyone. And we’re committed to doing just that, every day.
Want to support our work or learn more? Visit abqhch.org to find out how you can get involved.
