Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Social Trauma: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Green, Caitlin (2024) Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Social Trauma: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Increasing numbers of adults are receiving a diagnosis of autism in adulthood. Following a late diagnosis, autistic adults may re-evaluate their sense of self and re-examine past events with a new framework. Limited research focuses on this population, therefore understanding the lived experience of late diagnosed adults is important.

Aims: The first aim of this thesis was to synthesis research exploring how a late diagnosis of autism may impact a person's sense of self. The second aim was to explore the experiences of social trauma in late diagnosed adults and how they make sense of these experiences before and after their diagnosis.

Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies that explored how autistic adults made sense of their identity following a diagnosis was conducted. An empirical study was then conducted to explore the lived experiences of social trauma in late diagnosed adults. Semi-structured interviews were used, and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse data.

Results: Three ‘analytic’ themes were identified from eleven studies in the qualitative review. These highlighted the general process autistic adults go through following a late diagnosis: renegotiating their identity through reappraising past experiences allowing them to adjust their sense of self, accepting autism as part of their identity, which then allows them to authentically connect with others with a shared identity and creates a sense of belonging that may not have existed before. In the empirical paper, four superordinate themes were identified: experiencing social trauma, making sense of socially traumatic experiences, how I manage social trauma, re-examining social trauma with a new lens.

Conclusions: Clinicians should ensure newly diagnosed adults have the opportunities to understand the impact a diagnosis can have on how they view themselves and make sense of past experiences.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	19 Nov 2024 08:30
Last Modified:	19 Nov 2024 08:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97706
DOI:

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