Autistic women?s experiences of self-compassion after receiving their diagnosis in adulthood / Rosemarie B. WILSON in Autism, 27-5 (July 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 27-5 (July 2023) . - p.1336-1347 Titre : Autistic women?s experiences of self-compassion after receiving their diagnosis in adulthood Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Rosemarie B. WILSON, Auteur ; Andrew R. THOMPSON, Auteur ; Georgina ROWSE, Auteur ; Richard SMITH, Auteur ; Amber-Sophie DUGDALE, Auteur ; Megan FREETH, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1336-1347 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : adults;autistic women;diagnosis;health services;interpretative phenomenological analysis;lived experience;qualitative research;self-compassion Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : 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. Lay 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 were interviewed about their experiences of receiving their diagnosis in adulthood and their experiences of self-compassion. Systematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed common themes in the participants' experiences. Participants reported that their autism diagnosis helped them to better understand themselves, particularly when reflecting on problematic past experiences. After receiving an autism diagnosis, participants described being able to relate to themselves with greater self-kindness compared to previous self-criticism; this included allowing themselves to assert their needs and engage in self-care activities. Participants spoke about having difficult social experiences, including feeling pressure to conform to expectations in society and often feeling misunderstood. The findings highlight the barriers autistic women face obtaining their diagnoses and demonstrate the need for autism training for professionals to support early identification. Findings from this study suggest that interventions aimed at developing self-compassion could support and enhance autistic women?s well-being. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613221136752 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=507 [article] Autistic women?s experiences of self-compassion after receiving their diagnosis in adulthood [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Rosemarie B. WILSON, Auteur ; Andrew R. THOMPSON, Auteur ; Georgina ROWSE, Auteur ; Richard SMITH, Auteur ; Amber-Sophie DUGDALE, Auteur ; Megan FREETH, Auteur . - p.1336-1347. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 27-5 (July 2023) . - p.1336-1347 Mots-clés : adults;autistic women;diagnosis;health services;interpretative phenomenological analysis;lived experience;qualitative research;self-compassion Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : 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. Lay 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 were interviewed about their experiences of receiving their diagnosis in adulthood and their experiences of self-compassion. Systematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed common themes in the participants' experiences. Participants reported that their autism diagnosis helped them to better understand themselves, particularly when reflecting on problematic past experiences. After receiving an autism diagnosis, participants described being able to relate to themselves with greater self-kindness compared to previous self-criticism; this included allowing themselves to assert their needs and engage in self-care activities. Participants spoke about having difficult social experiences, including feeling pressure to conform to expectations in society and often feeling misunderstood. The findings highlight the barriers autistic women face obtaining their diagnoses and demonstrate the need for autism training for professionals to support early identification. Findings from this study suggest that interventions aimed at developing self-compassion could support and enhance autistic women?s well-being. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613221136752 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=507

The experience of seeking, receiving, and reflecting upon a diagnosis of autism in the UK: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies conducted with autistic individuals / Rosemarie B. WILSON in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 103 (May 2023)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 103 (May 2023) . - p.102135 Titre : The experience of seeking, receiving, and reflecting upon a diagnosis of autism in the UK: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies conducted with autistic individuals Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Rosemarie B. WILSON, Auteur ; Andrew R. THOMPSON, Auteur ; Georgina ROWSE, Auteur ; Megan FREETH, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.102135 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Thematic synthesis  Qualitative  Diagnostic assessments  Systematic review Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background The autism diagnosis process can profoundly impact an individual?s life. The purpose of this review is to systematically identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative research concerning individuals' experiences of seeking, receiving and reflecting upon a diagnosis of autism in the UK. The purpose is to improve understanding of how this process is experienced and identify potential areas for improvement. Method Six databases were systematically searched for qualitative studies exploring autistic individuals' experiences of the autistic diagnostic process in the UK. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria and were analysed using Thematic Synthesis. Results Three super-ordinate themes were identified; 'Negotiating self-identity' making sense of the autism diagnosis, including navigating a distressing assessment process, conflicting emotions towards diagnosis, neurodiversity, self-reflection and self-kindness. 'Feeling Misunderstood' in society and the impact on well-being, including social challenges and mental health misdiagnosis. 'Support Post-Diagnosis' including increased understanding, connection and validation. Overall, limited understanding from professionals was found to create barriers to assessment and acquisition of appropriate support. Conclusions Adjustment to an autism diagnosis is a dynamic process accompanied by a range of emotional responses. In many cases the diagnosis facilitated self-understanding and self-kindness, contrasting with self-criticism pre-diagnosis. It is recommended that clinicians attempt to recognise strengths and support individuals during the typically deficit-focused autism assessment process. Findings demonstrate the need for further autism training for both specialist and non-specialist professionals and the benefits of peer support around the diagnostic process. This review also highlights wider societal misconceptions of autism, intolerance of difference and the subsequent mental health impacts on autistic individuals. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102135 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=501 [article] The experience of seeking, receiving, and reflecting upon a diagnosis of autism in the UK: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies conducted with autistic individuals [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Rosemarie B. WILSON, Auteur ; Andrew R. THOMPSON, Auteur ; Georgina ROWSE, Auteur ; Megan FREETH, Auteur . - p.102135. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders > 103 (May 2023) . - p.102135 Mots-clés : Autism  Thematic synthesis  Qualitative  Diagnostic assessments  Systematic review Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background The autism diagnosis process can profoundly impact an individual?s life. The purpose of this review is to systematically identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative research concerning individuals' experiences of seeking, receiving and reflecting upon a diagnosis of autism in the UK. The purpose is to improve understanding of how this process is experienced and identify potential areas for improvement. Method Six databases were systematically searched for qualitative studies exploring autistic individuals' experiences of the autistic diagnostic process in the UK. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria and were analysed using Thematic Synthesis. Results Three super-ordinate themes were identified; 'Negotiating self-identity' making sense of the autism diagnosis, including navigating a distressing assessment process, conflicting emotions towards diagnosis, neurodiversity, self-reflection and self-kindness. 'Feeling Misunderstood' in society and the impact on well-being, including social challenges and mental health misdiagnosis. 'Support Post-Diagnosis' including increased understanding, connection and validation. Overall, limited understanding from professionals was found to create barriers to assessment and acquisition of appropriate support. Conclusions Adjustment to an autism diagnosis is a dynamic process accompanied by a range of emotional responses. In many cases the diagnosis facilitated self-understanding and self-kindness, contrasting with self-criticism pre-diagnosis. It is recommended that clinicians attempt to recognise strengths and support individuals during the typically deficit-focused autism assessment process. Findings demonstrate the need for further autism training for both specialist and non-specialist professionals and the benefits of peer support around the diagnostic process. This review also highlights wider societal misconceptions of autism, intolerance of difference and the subsequent mental health impacts on autistic individuals. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102135 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=501

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