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Watts G, Crompton C, Grainger C, Long J, Botha M, Somerville M, Cage E. 'A certain magic' - autistic adults' experiences of interacting with other autistic people and its relation to Quality of Life: A systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241255811. [PMID: 38829019 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241255811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Research has suggested that autistic people enjoy spending time with other autistic people and find them easier to talk to. We wanted to find out what autistic people say about spending time with other autistic people and whether this makes their life better. We found 52 papers which described this and reviewed what they found. We found that many autistic people had positive experiences of spending time with other autistic people and these experiences had positive impact on their lives in a range of different ways. The papers did not tell us whether this also happens for autistic people with a learning disability. More research is needed to find out more about why spending time with other autistic people helps some autistic people.
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Cooper K, Kumarendran S, Barona M. A systematic review and meta-synthesis on perspectives of autistic young people and their parents on psychological well-being. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 109:102411. [PMID: 38492246 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Autistic adolescents are at increased risk of developing mental health problems. Improving psychological well-being could reduce the likelihood of such problems developing. Research has tended to prioritise the voices of non-autistic people and has neglected to consult autistic young people themselves. Our meta-synthesis aimed to systematically review qualitative research on the perspectives of autistic young people and their parents on the lived experience of psychological well-being. We conducted a pre-planned systematic search which identified 2552 papers, with 37 of those meeting full inclusion criteria. Included papers were published between 2008 and 2023, with three-quarters published since 2018. We extracted qualitative data from each paper pertaining to the lived experience of psychological well-being in autistic young people and conducted a thematic synthesis. We identified three themes; Walking a tightrope: the need for growth versus recharging through rest and familiarity; Developing a positive sense of self in the social world; Internally driven sources of happiness. Psychological interventions aiming to improve well-being in autistic young people should respect their autonomy and need for rest whilst encouraging growth and skills development, provide opportunities to understand social needs and differences, and promote opportunities to enjoy special interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Cooper
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK BA2 7AY.
| | - Sanjay Kumarendran
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK BA2 7AY
| | - Manuela Barona
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK BA2 7AY
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Bureau R, Clément C. "Survival classes for a neurotypical world": What French autistic adults want and need after receiving an autism diagnosis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:843-853. [PMID: 37345517 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231183071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Adults receiving an autism diagnosis might not react the same depending on their countries or cultures. We also know that autistic people are rarely asked what they think would be best for them following this diagnosis. In this study, we asked 12 French autistic adults about their experiences of receiving an autism diagnosis as well as what they thought might be useful afterwards. Overall, we found that some experiences were similar to experiences related by English or American participants, but some were specific to the French culture, suggesting that such research should expand into new territories and cultures, especially non-European ones. Our participants also had quite a few ideas as to what would be useful for people in the same situation. Some of the suggestions can be put into action by peers and professionals alike, while others are wishes relating to how our participants would like society to behave toward them and people like them, for example. This article allows for a better comprehension of how cultural differences can impact the experience of receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult and provides some insight into what these adults want and desire following such a diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven Bureau
- Université de Strasbourg, France
- Groupement d'Intérêt Scientifique Autisme et TND, France
| | - Céline Clément
- Université de Strasbourg, France
- Groupement d'Intérêt Scientifique Autisme et TND, France
- Strasbourg Translational Research on the Autism Spectrum & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (STRAS&ND), France
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Keates N, Martin F, Waldock KE. Autistic People's Perspectives on Functioning Labels and Associated Reasons, and Community Connectedness. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06316-3. [PMID: 38507152 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06316-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Functioning labels have been used in relation to autistic people and differentiating between support needs. The main purpose of our study was to identify perspectives regarding language about being autistic. In regard to themselves and functioning. Furthermore, we investigated the influential factor of community connectedness on use of language acceptability and functioning labels. METHODS 516 autistic respondents completed our survey. We asked about demographic characteristics, how respondents would like autistic people to be termed in the survey, and their acceptability (person with autism, Aspergers, disorder, conditions, living with autism, autistic). We also asked about respondents? Autistic Community Connectedness, acknowledging the implicit nature of language and identity (Stets & Serpe in New directions in identity theory and research, Oxford University Press, 2016). The main focus of our survey was whether or not to use functioning labels, and the supporting rationale. RESULTS 97% of respondents stated that they find the term 'autistic' acceptable. Respondents who did see merit in using functioning labels to describe autistic people also reported not necessarily using them about themselves. Community membership was found to impact the participants' language preferences to describe the support needs of autistic people, including the use of functioning labels. CONCLUSION The proposed best option for language preferences is not to find consensus but instead, opt for the optimal choice that people find the least offensive or disagreeable. This means using identity-first language and not using functioning labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Keates
- University of Sunderland in London, 197 Marsh Wall, Docklands, London, E14 9SG, UK.
| | - Farradeh Martin
- School of History, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, UK
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Ogletree BT. Continua of Support: A New Direction in the Identity-First/People-First Language Debate. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:3077-3079. [PMID: 37699168 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-23-00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This letter expresses the opinion that identity-first language and perspectives in care are essential. It argues that all individuals' support needs should be conceptualized along continua. One such continua is support for communication. It suggests that decisions to receive supports should be left to the individual and, when necessary, invested others who can share potential benefits and costs of support/no-support decisions. Dialogue on this important issue is recommended.
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Woods SEO, Estes A. Toward a more comprehensive autism assessment: the survey of autistic strengths, skills, and interests. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1264516. [PMID: 37867767 PMCID: PMC10587489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1264516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Eileen O'Neil Woods
- Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Discover Psychology Services, Lacey, WA, United States
| | - Annette Estes
- Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Lilley R, Lawson W, Hall G, Mahony J, Clapham H, Heyworth M, Arnold S, Trollor J, Yudell M, Pellicano E. "Peas in a pod": Oral History Reflections on Autistic Identity in Family and Community by Late-Diagnosed Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1146-1161. [PMID: 35834048 PMCID: PMC9986211 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we report on a participatory oral history study documenting the lives of late-diagnosed autistic adults in Australia. We interviewed 26 autistic adults about their life history and the impact of late diagnosis. All were diagnosed after the age of 35, growing up in an era when autism was not well known. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we uncovered a rich body of reflections on shared Autistic identity and identified three major themes within that data set: 'conceptualising the Autistic family', 'creating Autistic community', and 'contesting Autistic identity'. Overall, the study provides insights into the active creation of shared Autistic identity and the importance of Autistic community to these late-diagnosed autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozanna Lilley
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, 29 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Wenn Lawson
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, 29 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Hall
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, 29 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joanne Mahony
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, 29 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Melanie Heyworth
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, 29 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Samuel Arnold
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julian Trollor
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Yudell
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Pellicano
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, 29 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Grove R, Clapham H, Moodie T, Gurrin S, Hall G. 'Living in a world that's not about us': The impact of everyday life on the health and wellbeing of autistic women and gender diverse people. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231189542. [PMID: 37727115 PMCID: PMC10515546 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231189542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic women and gender diverse people have specific needs related to their physical and mental health. They also experience more barriers to accessing services. While there are autobiographical accounts of the 'invisible' challenges that autistic women and gender diverse people face day-to-day, there has been limited research that explores how these experiences impact health and wellbeing. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand the everyday experiences of autistic women and gender diverse people, and their impact on health and wellbeing. DESIGN Qualitative methods were used to elicit rich information about the unique experiences of autistic women and gender diverse people. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 autistic adults. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified 3 themes and 10 subthemes. Our first theme described 'all the stuff that you have to do to get through life', including managing domestic tasks, parenting, unique health needs and co-occurring physical conditions. The second theme outlined the impact of 'living in a world that's not about us', describing how navigating the neurotypical world, managing gender role expectations and trying to fit impacts on mental health. Our third theme outlined the positive impacts of 'shedding all the layers and being myself', including the importance of formal identification, exploring autistic identity and community, and including autistic people in research to support them to 'have a good life on their own terms'. CONCLUSION This study emphasized the importance of shifting the responsibility of health and wellbeing from the individual, and the importance of interpersonal, community, cultural, policy and societal factors in ensuring positive health outcomes for autistic women and gender diverse people. It also highlighted areas that enable autistic women and gender diverse people to flourish, including autistic community connectedness, positive relationships and autistic-affirming support from health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Grove
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hayley Clapham
- Autistic Advisory Group, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tess Moodie
- Autistic Advisory Group, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Gurrin
- Autistic Advisory Group, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Hall
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Autistic Advisory Group, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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