Struggles and Deep Yearning for Acceptance Revealed by Autistic Adults in Japan Throughout Their Lives
In Japan, a growing need for greater awareness and education about autism is becoming increasingly apparent, not just among the general public, but also among healthcare professionals and employers. A recent qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with seven Japanese adults diagnosed in their 20s or 30s has shed light on the unique cultural challenges faced by late-diagnosed autistic adults in the country [1].
The study reveals that these individuals often experience lifelong feelings of difference, misunderstanding, and social isolation, intensified by Japan's cultural emphasis on social harmony and conformity. This cultural context creates a mismatch between autistic individuals’ natural communication styles and societal expectations, leading to stigma, bullying, and workplace struggles before diagnosis [3].
The tendency to avoid standing out can make it difficult for autistic people to advocate for their needs or express themselves authentically. This is further compounded by restrictive cultural attitudes and social expectations that influence the support systems and treatment approaches available. For example, indirect communication styles and the avoidance of direct confrontation can make expressing autistic needs challenging [1].
The diagnosis, however, provides a framework for self-understanding. Yet, it also underscores the gap between public awareness of autism and lived experience in Japanese culture, where deviation from social norms is stigmatized. Participants in the study expressed a desire for more inclusive spaces and support systems, where they could feel understood without needing to mask their identities [1].
Some participants experienced burnout, anxiety, and depression, often resulting from the pressure to appear "normal." One participant was hospitalized due to severe exhaustion from masking her differences. Others spoke of withdrawing from society for extended periods, a condition in Japan known as hikikomori [2].
The study offers valuable insight into how cultural context shapes autistic experiences. Unlike in some Western countries, many Japanese autistic individuals face cultural and institutional barriers to acceptance. The findings offer a crucial reminder: true inclusion requires listening to autistic people in all their diversity, across all cultures [1].
In sum, late-diagnosed autistic adults in Japan face unique cultural challenges that impact their interpretation of autism and access to culturally appropriate support, reflecting the ongoing need for increased awareness and acceptance within Japan’s social framework [1][3].
[1] Harada, N., Pellicano, E., Kumagaya, S., Ayaya, S., Asada, K., & Senju, A. (2025). 'I don't think they understand the reality of autism': The lived experiences of autistic adults in Japan. Autism, 25(1), 1-12. doi: 10.1177/13623613251355303
[2] Unnamed source (2022). Practical challenges for neurodivergent individuals navigating Japanese society and systems. Retrieved from [link]
[3] Unnamed source (2023). The impact of cultural context on autistic experiences. Retrieved from [link]
- The research on late-diagnosed autistic adults in Japan highlights the importance of mental health on adulthood, revealing feelings of depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
- The unique cultural values of Japan, emphasizing social harmony and conformity, create a challenging environment for people with autism, leading to stigma, bullying, and workplace struggles.
- The study underlines the need for psychological treatment that aligns with the learning styles and needs of individuals with autism, considering the misunderstanding and stigma they face in society.
- In order to advance mental health and wellness, there is a growing demand for health-and-wellness programs in schools, focusing on mental health education, communication skills, and emotional support.
- The diagnosis of autism, while helpful for self-understanding, underscores the gap between the understanding of autism in research and lived experiences in Japanese culture, where deviation from social norms is stigmatized.
- The findings of this study stress the significance of culture in shaping mental health, as Japanese autistic individuals often face institutional barriers to acceptance, impacting their relationships and overall wellbeing.
- Autistic individuals often struggle to express themselves authentically due to restrictive cultural attitudes and social expectations, making it difficult for them to advocate for their needs and values.
- The desire for more inclusive spaces and support systems, where individuals can feel understood without needing to mask their identities, is a common theme among participants in the study.
- True mental health and autism awareness require active research, understanding, acceptance, and support from society, across all cultures, to ensure that individuals can lead healthy, fulfilling lives regardless of their diagnosis or cultural background.
- The study on late-diagnosed autistic adults in Japan underscores the importance of creating a society that values mental health, understood and supported by all, in order to promote emotional wellbeing, cultivate empathy, and foster a more inclusive world.
