(3 minutes reading time)
“I am different, not less.” – Dr. Temple Grandin. Quote, by the renowned autistic scientist Dr. Temple Grandin,
Autistic individuals may experience differences in how they interpret social cues, body language, or the unspoken rules of interaction. This can make it harder to recognise when a situation involves consent—whether in personal boundaries, relationships, or decision-making. They might not pick up on subtle signals that something is expected of them, or they may misread intentions and respond in a way that appears compliant, even if they are confused or uncomfortable. Understanding this is key to creating safe, respectful environments where genuine, informed consent is possible.
Understanding Consent with Vulnerable Adults: When Compliance Isn’t Consent
Consent is about choice, autonomy, and understanding. But what happens when someone appears to agree with something they don’t truly understand—or feel safe enough to challenge? For many vulnerable adults, especially those with neurodivergent traits or from restrictive environments, the concept of consent is far more complex than a simple “yes” or “no.”
The Hidden Complexity of Consent
Vulnerable adults—such as those with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or cognitive impairments—often face extra layers of difficulty when navigating consent. They may appear cooperative or compliant in situations they don’t fully understand or feel uncomfortable with. This can be due to a learned behaviour known as fawning—a trauma response where someone goes along with things to avoid conflict, punishment, or rejection.
Fawning and Compliance: A Survival Strategy
Many vulnerable individuals, especially those raised in strict or emotionally neglectful households, learn from an early age that expressing disagreement or discomfort isn’t safe. In these environments, the message is often: be good, don’t argue, don’t upset anyone.
As a result, they develop the ability to mask their true feelings. In adulthood, this can look like saying “yes” when they mean “no,” or going along with decisions in relationships, care settings, or even medical procedures—just to keep the peace or avoid shame. What looks like informed consent may actually be conditioned compliance.
Autism and Consent: Misunderstood Signals
Autistic individuals in particular may face additional challenges. They may have communication differences that make it difficult to ask questions or articulate discomfort. They might mimic social behaviours or give responses they’ve learned are “correct,” even when they’re unsure or distressed. This makes it easy for others to assume they’ve given informed consent—when in reality, they haven’t felt free to make a truly empowered decision.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility
Vulnerable adults are disproportionately targeted for abuse, neglect, and manipulation—especially when their compliance is mistaken for consent. It’s crucial for professionals, carers, and community members to remain vigilant and compassionate. If you’re unsure whether something feels right, trust your instincts and speak up.
Everyone deserves the right to make choices about their own lives, bodies, and relationships. Respecting those choices means making sure they’re understood, freely given, and grounded in a sense of safety and self-worth.
If you have concerns about someone
If you have concerns about a vulnerable person or feel unsure about whether to report something, please explore more on abuse and safeguarding by the Autistic Society- download a pdf online here. Remember—raising a concern is never a betrayal. It’s a protection of someone’s basic right to dignity, safety, and autonomy.