Reconceptualising independence in autistic adulthood: Comparing Chinese parents' perspectives on autistic adults with and without intellectual disabilities.
Independence for autistic adults is a shared, happy life, not living alone.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Huang et al. (2026) talked with Chinese parents of autistic adults.
Some adults also had intellectual disability.
Parents shared what 'independence' means to them in their own words.
What they found
Parents did not see independence as living alone or paying bills.
They saw it as feeling happy, safe, and loved within family and culture.
Independence was built slowly, together, not by forcing solo tasks.
How this fits with other research
Cribb et al. (2019) asked autistic young adults in the UK the same question.
Both studies agree: real independence is about trusted ties, not just chores.
Rossetti et al. (2008) first wrote 'independence is interdependence' after talking to autistic typists.
Anqi’s team shows parents in China now use the same idea.
Laugeson et al. (2014) counted that most autistic adults still live with parents.
The new study explains why that can be a chosen, positive path.
Why it matters
When you write goals, swap ‘move out’ for ‘build joyful daily roles with support.’
Ask parents what happiness and safety look like in their culture.
Track shared activities, not solo tasks, as independence grows.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Achieving independence in adulthood remains a widely held developmental aspiration. However, prevailing frameworks often equate independence with functional proficiency and physical separation from the family, rarely capturing the lived realities and priorities of autistic individuals and their families. This qualitative study represents the first exploration of how families of autistic adults in mainland China understand, support and engage with the concept of independence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parents of autistic adults, including individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities. Through reflexive thematic analysis, four interrelated themes were identified: (1) Doing Independence Versus Being Independent; (2) From Aspirations to Reconceptualisations; (3) Invisible Needs and Misrecognised Competence; and (4) Independence as a Relational Process. These findings challenge reductive definitions of independence as mere task completion or detachment from familial support. Instead, they foreground the emotional, relational and cultural dimensions that shape independence across the lifespan. The study highlights how families actively recalibrate expectations, navigate structural constraints and advocate for contextually attuned support. In doing so, it underscores the need to reconceptualise independence as a dynamic, co-constructed process that honours both the individuality of autistic adults and the ecological contexts within which their lives unfold.Lay AbstractIndependence is often positioned as a hallmark of successful adulthood. This study explored how families in mainland China understand and support independence in autistic adults from the perspective of their parents. We talked with 20 parents of autistic adults, whose children included 11 with and 9 without intellectual disabilities, to learn how they understand and support their children's independence. Parents described independence not simply as living alone or managing daily tasks without help, but as a process that develops gradually over time, shaped by emotions, relationships and cultural values. Some autistic adults demonstrated strong practical skills but still required support with emotional regulation or unexpected situations. Parents also shared how their hopes evolved, with greater focus placed on happiness and well-being rather than traditional adult milestones. Cultural values, such as family ties and mutual support, played a significant role in shaping these perspectives. The study highlights the need for flexible and respectful support systems that honour individual differences and promote meaningful, self-defined forms of independence for autistic adults.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2026 · doi:10.1177/13623613251374905