Fostering Belonging in Autistic Individuals

This commentary explores the concept of belonging as a critical yet often overlooked goal in supporting autistic individuals. While inclusive practices have expanded educational access, they do not consistently foster the emotional and relational experience of belonging. A targeted literature review was conducted to synthesize research on belonging, autism, and applied behavior analysis. Articles were selected based on their relevance to belonging, personal identity, and inclusive practices. Key themes include the distinction between inclusion and belonging, the definition and significance of belonging, challenges faced by the autistic community in achieving it, and research and educational recommendations derived from current literature and conceptual analysis to promote belonging among autistic individuals. Belonging must be prioritized as a meaningful outcome in autism support. Achieving this requires continued progress in defining, measuring, and intervening to enhance the subjective experience of belonging, as well as refining research and educational recommendations.