The Estrangement of Adult Autistic / Asperger Children

In this thought-provoking article for Autism Eye, Elaine Nicholson MBE examines the sensitive and often hidden issue of estrangement between parents and their adult autistic or Asperger children. Drawing on decades of specialist autism counselling experience, she explores how late diagnosis, masking, unmet emotional needs, trauma, communication differences, and family misunderstanding can lead to painful relational breakdowns. The article offers compassionate insight into the psychological dynamics behind estrangement in neurodiverse families. It highlights the importance of validation, therapeutic support, and deeper understanding in rebuilding or reframing family relationships.