Autistic Women's Experiences of Self-Compassion after Receiving Their Diagnosis in Adulthood

Autor/inn/en	Wilson, Rosemarie B.; Thompson, Andrew R.; Rowse, Georgina; Smith, Richard; Dugdale, Amber-Sophie; Freeth, Megan
Titel	Autistic Women's Experiences of Self-Compassion after Receiving Their Diagnosis in Adulthood
Quelle	In: Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 27 (2023) 5, S.1336-1347 (12 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Thompson, Andrew R.) ORCID (Freeth, Megan)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1362-3613
DOI	10.1177/13623613221136752
Schlagwörter	Adults; Females; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Clinical Diagnosis; Experience; Emotional Response; Psychological Patterns; Self Concept + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Weibliches Geschlecht; Autism; Autismus; Erfahrung; Emotionales Verhalten; Selbstkonzept
Abstract	Knowledge of autistic individuals' experiences of self-compassion is very limited. This study investigated autistic women's experiences of self-compassion after receiving their diagnosis in adulthood. Eleven autistic women completed semi-structured interviews analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three super-ordinate themes were identified: 'Disconnect between the autistic self and experience of societal expectations' (the burden of conformity; autism is misunderstood; social challenges; mental health impact); 'Unmasking: the process of self-understanding' (autonomy and self-compassion; validation and grief) and 'Impact on relationships' (diagnosis disclosure dilemmas; connection and understanding). Frustration with society's misconceptions of autism and unhelpful thinking styles were presented as barriers to self-compassion. Most participants reported that their diagnosis had led to the development of a greater sense of self-understanding, which facilitated self-compassion. Some participants suggested their own increased understanding of autism facilitated their compassion towards others. Findings from this study have clinical implications for increasing understanding about autistic women's experiences of self-compassion and possibly ways to facilitate its development, to enhance well-being. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01