Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults / Eilidh CAGE in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48-2 (February 2018)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 48-2 (February 2018) . - p.473-484 Titre : Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Eilidh CAGE, Auteur ; Jessica DI MONACO, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.473-484 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism acceptance  Camouflaging  Masking  Mental health Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Mental health difficulties are highly prevalent in individuals on the autism spectrum. The current study examined how experiences and perceptions of autism acceptance could impact on the mental health of autistic adults. 111 adults on the autism spectrum completed an online survey examining their experiences of autism acceptance, along with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Regression analyses showed that autism acceptance from external sources and personal acceptance significantly predicted depression. Acceptance from others also significantly predicted stress but acceptance did not predict anxiety. Further analyses suggested that experiences of "camouflaging" could relate to higher rates of depression. The current study highlights the importance of considering how autism acceptance could contribute to mental health in autism. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3342-7 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=337 [article] Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults [texte imprimé] / Eilidh CAGE, Auteur ; Jessica DI MONACO, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur . - p.473-484. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 48-2 (February 2018) . - p.473-484 Mots-clés : Autism acceptance  Camouflaging  Masking  Mental health Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Mental health difficulties are highly prevalent in individuals on the autism spectrum. The current study examined how experiences and perceptions of autism acceptance could impact on the mental health of autistic adults. 111 adults on the autism spectrum completed an online survey examining their experiences of autism acceptance, along with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Regression analyses showed that autism acceptance from external sources and personal acceptance significantly predicted depression. Acceptance from others also significantly predicted stress but acceptance did not predict anxiety. Further analyses suggested that experiences of "camouflaging" could relate to higher rates of depression. The current study highlights the importance of considering how autism acceptance could contribute to mental health in autism. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3342-7 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=337

Exploring Patterns of Self-Harm in Autistic Adults Using the Card Sort Task for Self-Harm / Mirabel PELTON in Autism, 30-7 (July 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 30-7 (July 2026) . - p.1802-1815 Titre : Exploring Patterns of Self-Harm in Autistic Adults Using the Card Sort Task for Self-Harm Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Mirabel PELTON, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur ; Blandine FRENCH, Auteur ; Ruth WADMAN, Auteur ; Ellen TOWNSEND, Auteur ; Sarah CASSIDY, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1802-1815 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : anxiety  autism  Card Sort Task for Self-Harm  emotional distress  self-harm  suicide Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic adults self-harm more often than non-autistic adults, but there are no tools to assess patterns of self-harm in autistic people. This study aimed to (1) review the accessibility of a novel visual task – the Card Sort Task for Self-Harm (CaTS) – to explore self-harm with autistic adults and (2) to pilot the CaTS to identify proximal and distal contributing factors leading to self-harm and experiences following self-harm. First, autistic adults (n = 5) with lived experience of self-harm reviewed the CaTS for clarity and accessibility. Second, we undertook a pilot administration of the CaTS and used sequence analysis to explore significant transitions between factors before and after self-harm. Participants (n = 29, autistic or possibly autistic, female = 82%, mean age = 41.62) selected, on average, 42 cards to describe self-harm. Most frequently selected cards described agitation (n = 25), mental pain (n = 22) and depression (n = 22), while most infrequently collected cards included being in a gang and talking to a teacher (n = 0). Agitation and acting on impulse preceded self-harm. Feeling better, worse, exhausted and hopeless followed self-harm. Improving emotion regulation and meeting autistic communication needs could reduce the transition to self-harm. The CaTS offers a systematic approach to explore self-harm in autistic adults.Lay Abstract Why did we do this study?Autistic adults self-harm more often than people who are not autistic. This is particularly worrying because self-harm is something that can contribute to suicide. We know that autistic people feel that their experience of self-harm is not well understood by other people, such as doctors.What did we want to know?We wanted to know if the card sort task for self-harm (called the CaTS for short) is a useful way to explore self-harm with autistic adults.What did we do?First, we worked with five autistic adults to make sure the CaTS is clear and works for autistic people. Second, we invited autistic and non-autistic adults to do the CaTS. To do the CATS, someone chooses the cards that are relevant to their experience and puts them on a timeline to explain what self-harm is like for them.What did we find?We found that (1) the CaTS is helpful and accessible to explore self-harm with autistic adults and (2) the CaTS uncovered patterns of self-harm. Twenty-nine U.K.-based autistic adults did the CaTS: most were female (82%, average age was around 42). Participants picked, on average, 42 cards to describe self-harm. The cards that were chosen most often described agitation, mental pain and depression. The cards that were chosen least described being in a gang and talking to a teacher. The order of the cards suggested that people felt agitated and acted impulsively before self-harm. After self-harm, they felt better, worse and hopeless. We found that it is safe and feasible to do the CaTS with autistic people. Support could consider how best to support people who are impulsive and how to prevent people accessing the means to hurt themselves. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613261447926 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=590 [article] Exploring Patterns of Self-Harm in Autistic Adults Using the Card Sort Task for Self-Harm [texte imprimé] / Mirabel PELTON, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur ; Blandine FRENCH, Auteur ; Ruth WADMAN, Auteur ; Ellen TOWNSEND, Auteur ; Sarah CASSIDY, Auteur . - p.1802-1815. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 30-7 (July 2026) . - p.1802-1815 Mots-clés : anxiety  autism  Card Sort Task for Self-Harm  emotional distress  self-harm  suicide Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic adults self-harm more often than non-autistic adults, but there are no tools to assess patterns of self-harm in autistic people. This study aimed to (1) review the accessibility of a novel visual task – the Card Sort Task for Self-Harm (CaTS) – to explore self-harm with autistic adults and (2) to pilot the CaTS to identify proximal and distal contributing factors leading to self-harm and experiences following self-harm. First, autistic adults (n = 5) with lived experience of self-harm reviewed the CaTS for clarity and accessibility. Second, we undertook a pilot administration of the CaTS and used sequence analysis to explore significant transitions between factors before and after self-harm. Participants (n = 29, autistic or possibly autistic, female = 82%, mean age = 41.62) selected, on average, 42 cards to describe self-harm. Most frequently selected cards described agitation (n = 25), mental pain (n = 22) and depression (n = 22), while most infrequently collected cards included being in a gang and talking to a teacher (n = 0). Agitation and acting on impulse preceded self-harm. Feeling better, worse, exhausted and hopeless followed self-harm. Improving emotion regulation and meeting autistic communication needs could reduce the transition to self-harm. The CaTS offers a systematic approach to explore self-harm in autistic adults.Lay Abstract Why did we do this study?Autistic adults self-harm more often than people who are not autistic. This is particularly worrying because self-harm is something that can contribute to suicide. We know that autistic people feel that their experience of self-harm is not well understood by other people, such as doctors.What did we want to know?We wanted to know if the card sort task for self-harm (called the CaTS for short) is a useful way to explore self-harm with autistic adults.What did we do?First, we worked with five autistic adults to make sure the CaTS is clear and works for autistic people. Second, we invited autistic and non-autistic adults to do the CaTS. To do the CATS, someone chooses the cards that are relevant to their experience and puts them on a timeline to explain what self-harm is like for them.What did we find?We found that (1) the CaTS is helpful and accessible to explore self-harm with autistic adults and (2) the CaTS uncovered patterns of self-harm. Twenty-nine U.K.-based autistic adults did the CaTS: most were female (82%, average age was around 42). Participants picked, on average, 42 cards to describe self-harm. The cards that were chosen most often described agitation, mental pain and depression. The cards that were chosen least described being in a gang and talking to a teacher. The order of the cards suggested that people felt agitated and acted impulsively before self-harm. After self-harm, they felt better, worse and hopeless. We found that it is safe and feasible to do the CaTS with autistic people. Support could consider how best to support people who are impulsive and how to prevent people accessing the means to hurt themselves. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613261447926 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=590

Participatory systems mapping: Can this approach improve how services work for autistic people? / Megan FREETH in Autism, 30-2 (February 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 30-2 (February 2026) . - p.263-268 Titre : Participatory systems mapping: Can this approach improve how services work for autistic people? Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Megan FREETH, Auteur ; Daniel POOLE, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur ; Kelly SCARGILL, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.263-268 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251399656 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=578 [article] Participatory systems mapping: Can this approach improve how services work for autistic people? [texte imprimé] / Megan FREETH, Auteur ; Daniel POOLE, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur ; Kelly SCARGILL, Auteur . - p.263-268. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 30-2 (February 2026) . - p.263-268 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251399656 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=578

‘Picking the best of a bad bunch’: Exploring stakeholder perspectives of self-harm assessment tools for autistic adults / Victoria NEWELL in Autism, 29-11 (November 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 29-11 (November 2025) . - p.2791-2803 Titre : ‘Picking the best of a bad bunch’: Exploring stakeholder perspectives of self-harm assessment tools for autistic adults Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Victoria NEWELL, Auteur ; Caroline RICHARDS, Auteur ; Sarah A. CASSIDY, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2791-2803 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autism  measurement  self-harm  non-suicidal self-injury  stakeholders Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic people are at greater risk of self-harm than non-autistic people, yet no tools exist specifically for assessing self-harm in this population. We therefore conducted two focus groups with autistic adults (n = 5) and professionals (n = 4) to examine their perspectives on three existing self-harm assessment tools (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury – Assessment Tool, Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury and Questionnaire for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury). Using a reflexive thematic analysis, we found one overarching theme – ‘picking the best of a bad bunch’ – where participants acknowledged some strengths of the tools, but multiple limitations outweighed these. Subthemes included cognitive considerations (e.g. complexity, length, working memory demands, introspection), missing elements (e.g. broader self-harm behaviours, functions, context, support) and challenges in conceptualising self-harm, particularly around intentionality and stimming. Participants also stressed the importance of addressing stigma, considering co-occurring conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disabilities and upholding a duty of care. Overall, findings show that existing self-harm assessment tools are not appropriate or acceptable for autistic adults who self-harm, indicating a clear need for a new self-harm assessment tool developed with and for autistic people.Lay abstract The perspectives of autistic adults and professionals on existing self-harm assessment toolsSelf-harm is defined as when someone intentionally hurts or poisons themselves, regardless of the reason. This can include suicide attempts as well as behaviours such as cutting, hitting or burning as a way to express or manage difficult feelings. Concerningly, autistic people are more likely to self-harm than non-autistic people, but there are currently no tools specifically designed to assess self-harm in this group. This makes it harder for researchers and service providers to identify autistic people who self-harm and offer the right support or treatment. Previous studies have suggested that three existing self-harm assessment tools could be adapted for autistic people, but it is unclear what autistic adults and professionals think about these tools. We conducted two focus groups: one with autistic adults who have self-harmed and another with professionals who work with autistic people who self-harm. Both groups felt that none of the three tools were suitable for autistic people. They explained that some questions might be harder for autistic people to answer, such as those requiring them to remember specific details or identify their emotions. They also noted the tools missed out on important aspects of the autistic experience, like managing sensory and social overload. Both groups highlighted that self-harm is complex and discussed the overlap with behaviours such as stimming (e.g. repetitive movements or sounds). They emphasised the importance of a supportive approach to self-harm that considers the role of co-occurring conditions, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disabilities, and ensures researchers and professionals prioritise participant safety. These findings suggest that instead of adapting existing tools, a new one should be developed specifically with and for autistic people. A tailored tool could help identify self-harm earlier and lead to better support for autistic adults. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251348555 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=570 [article] â€˜Picking the best of a bad bunch’: Exploring stakeholder perspectives of self-harm assessment tools for autistic adults [texte imprimé] / Victoria NEWELL, Auteur ; Caroline RICHARDS, Auteur ; Sarah A. CASSIDY, Auteur . - p.2791-2803. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 29-11 (November 2025) . - p.2791-2803 Mots-clés : autism  measurement  self-harm  non-suicidal self-injury  stakeholders Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Autistic people are at greater risk of self-harm than non-autistic people, yet no tools exist specifically for assessing self-harm in this population. We therefore conducted two focus groups with autistic adults (n = 5) and professionals (n = 4) to examine their perspectives on three existing self-harm assessment tools (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury – Assessment Tool, Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury and Questionnaire for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury). Using a reflexive thematic analysis, we found one overarching theme – ‘picking the best of a bad bunch’ – where participants acknowledged some strengths of the tools, but multiple limitations outweighed these. Subthemes included cognitive considerations (e.g. complexity, length, working memory demands, introspection), missing elements (e.g. broader self-harm behaviours, functions, context, support) and challenges in conceptualising self-harm, particularly around intentionality and stimming. Participants also stressed the importance of addressing stigma, considering co-occurring conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disabilities and upholding a duty of care. Overall, findings show that existing self-harm assessment tools are not appropriate or acceptable for autistic adults who self-harm, indicating a clear need for a new self-harm assessment tool developed with and for autistic people.Lay abstract The perspectives of autistic adults and professionals on existing self-harm assessment toolsSelf-harm is defined as when someone intentionally hurts or poisons themselves, regardless of the reason. This can include suicide attempts as well as behaviours such as cutting, hitting or burning as a way to express or manage difficult feelings. Concerningly, autistic people are more likely to self-harm than non-autistic people, but there are currently no tools specifically designed to assess self-harm in this group. This makes it harder for researchers and service providers to identify autistic people who self-harm and offer the right support or treatment. Previous studies have suggested that three existing self-harm assessment tools could be adapted for autistic people, but it is unclear what autistic adults and professionals think about these tools. We conducted two focus groups: one with autistic adults who have self-harmed and another with professionals who work with autistic people who self-harm. Both groups felt that none of the three tools were suitable for autistic people. They explained that some questions might be harder for autistic people to answer, such as those requiring them to remember specific details or identify their emotions. They also noted the tools missed out on important aspects of the autistic experience, like managing sensory and social overload. Both groups highlighted that self-harm is complex and discussed the overlap with behaviours such as stimming (e.g. repetitive movements or sounds). They emphasised the importance of a supportive approach to self-harm that considers the role of co-occurring conditions, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disabilities, and ensures researchers and professionals prioritise participant safety. These findings suggest that instead of adapting existing tools, a new one should be developed specifically with and for autistic people. A tailored tool could help identify self-harm earlier and lead to better support for autistic adults. En ligne : https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13623613251348555 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=570

Understanding, attitudes and dehumanisation towards autistic people / Eilidh CAGE in Autism, 23-6 (August 2019)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 23-6 (August 2019) . - p.1373-1383 Titre : Understanding, attitudes and dehumanisation towards autistic people Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Eilidh CAGE, Auteur ; Jessica DI MONACO, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.1373-1383 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : attitudes  autism spectrum conditions  autism understanding  dehumanisation Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research suggests that while individuals may self-report positive attitudes towards autism, dehumanising attitudes (seeing another as less than human) may still prevail. This study investigated knowledge, openness and dehumanising attitudes of non-autistic people towards autistic people. A total of 361 participants completed a survey measuring autism openness, knowledge and experience, along with a measure of dehumanisation. Results showed that knowledge of autism was comparable to past research and females were more open towards autism. Findings also indicated evidence for dehumanisation, with a particular denial of 'human uniqueness' traits. Furthermore, dehumanisation was related to openness towards autism. These findings have implications for targeting attitudes to reduce stigma associated with autism. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361318811290 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=403 [article] Understanding, attitudes and dehumanisation towards autistic people [texte imprimé] / Eilidh CAGE, Auteur ; Jessica DI MONACO, Auteur ; Victoria NEWELL, Auteur . - p.1373-1383. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 23-6 (August 2019) . - p.1373-1383 Mots-clés : attitudes  autism spectrum conditions  autism understanding  dehumanisation Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Research suggests that while individuals may self-report positive attitudes towards autism, dehumanising attitudes (seeing another as less than human) may still prevail. This study investigated knowledge, openness and dehumanising attitudes of non-autistic people towards autistic people. A total of 361 participants completed a survey measuring autism openness, knowledge and experience, along with a measure of dehumanisation. Results showed that knowledge of autism was comparable to past research and females were more open towards autism. Findings also indicated evidence for dehumanisation, with a particular denial of 'human uniqueness' traits. Furthermore, dehumanisation was related to openness towards autism. These findings have implications for targeting attitudes to reduce stigma associated with autism. En ligne : http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361318811290 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=403

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