"I?m not feeling alone in my experiences": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming "Welcome Pack" / Chris EDWARDS in Autism, 29-8 (August 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inAutism > 29-8 (August 2025) . - p.2072-2083 Titre : "I?m not feeling alone in my experiences": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming "Welcome Pack" Type de document : Texte imprimé et/ou numérique Auteurs : Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Melanie HEYWORTH, Auteur ; Alexandra JOHNSTON, Auteur ; Fiona ALDRIDGE, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.2072-2083 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : autistic adult  diagnosis  late-diagnosed  neurodiversity-affirming  post-diagnostic  self-guided Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly transformative, yet many newly diagnosed autistic adults experience a lack of accessible, affirming post-diagnostic support. This study explores how a self-guided, neurodiversity-affirming resource-the "Welcome Pack"-supports newly diagnosed autistic adults in navigating their evolving identity. Using a qualitative approach, we recruited 11 autistic adults without intellectual disability in Australia who had received a diagnosis within the past 6?months. Participants engaged with the "Welcome Pack" over a 2-month period before taking part in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four key themes: (1) a sense of belonging through community and representation, as participants found validation in shared narratives; (2) the "Welcome Pack" as one of many tools supporting their self-understanding; (3) emotional reflections, including both relief and grief over years of masking; and (4) challenges in self-advocacy and educating others. While participants described the "Welcome Pack" as an important and validating resource, they also highlighted the need for additional structured peer support and practical guidance. These findings underscore the value of integrating self-guided resources within broader post-diagnostic ecosystems, ensuring that newly diagnosed autistic adults receive timely, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming support as they navigate their identity.Lay Abstract Many autistic people receive a diagnosis in adulthood, often after years of feeling different but not knowing why. While a diagnosis can bring relief, it can also be overwhelming, with few accessible and affirming post-diagnostic supports available. This study explores how a free, self-guided resource-the "Welcome Pack"-helps newly diagnosed autistic adults navigate this transition. The "Welcome Pack," developed by autistic people, includes personal stories, practical advice, and reflection activities to support self-understanding and identity development. We worked with 11 autistic adults in Australia who had been diagnosed within the past 6?months. After using the "Welcome Pack" for 2?months, they shared their experiences through interviews. Our analysis identified four key themes. First, participants felt validated and less alone when reading personal stories from other autistic people. Second, they found the "Welcome Pack" useful but emphasized the need for additional resources. Third, they reflected on the emotional impact of their diagnosis, describing both relief and grief over years of masking (hiding or suppressing their autistic traits to fit in or avoid judgment). Finally, they faced challenges in self-advocacy and explaining autism to others. Overall, participants valued the "Welcome Pack" as a helpful starting point, but they also highlighted the need for more structured peer support and workplace advocacy tools. These findings suggest that while self-guided resources can provide meaningful support, they should be integrated with broader community and professional services to better meet the needs of newly diagnosed autistic adults. En ligne : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613251335070 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=564 [article] "I?m not feeling alone in my experiences": How newly diagnosed autistic adults engage with a neurodiversity-affirming "Welcome Pack" [Texte imprimé et/ou numérique] / Chris EDWARDS, Auteur ; Abigail MA LOVE, Auteur ; Ru Ying CAI, Auteur ; Melanie HEYWORTH, Auteur ; Alexandra JOHNSTON, Auteur ; Fiona ALDRIDGE, Auteur ; Vicki GIBBS, Auteur . - p.2072-2083. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Autism > 29-8 (August 2025) . - p.2072-2083 Mots-clés : autistic adult  diagnosis  late-diagnosed  neurodiversity-affirming  post-diagnostic  self-guided Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be profoundly transformative, yet many newly diagnosed autistic adults experience a lack of accessible, affirming post-diagnostic support. This study explores how a self-guided, neurodiversity-affirming resource-the "Welcome Pack"-supports newly diagnosed autistic adults in navigating their evolving identity. Using a qualitative approach, we recruited 11 autistic adults without intellectual disability in Australia who had received a diagnosis within the past 6?months. Participants engaged with the "Welcome Pack" over a 2-month period before taking part in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four key themes: (1) a sense of belonging through community and representation, as participants found validation in shared narratives; (2) the "Welcome Pack" as one of many tools supporting their self-understanding; (3) emotional reflections, including both relief and grief over years of masking; and (4) challenges in self-advocacy and educating others. While participants described the "Welcome Pack" as an important and validating resource, they also highlighted the need for additional structured peer support and practical guidance. These findings underscore the value of integrating self-guided resources within broader post-diagnostic ecosystems, ensuring that newly diagnosed autistic adults receive timely, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming support as they navigate their identity.Lay Abstract Many autistic people receive a diagnosis in adulthood, often after years of feeling different but not knowing why. While a diagnosis can bring relief, it can also be overwhelming, with few accessible and affirming post-diagnostic supports available. This study explores how a free, self-guided resource-the "Welcome Pack"-helps newly diagnosed autistic adults navigate this transition. The "Welcome Pack," developed by autistic people, includes personal stories, practical advice, and reflection activities to support self-understanding and identity development. We worked with 11 autistic adults in Australia who had been diagnosed within the past 6?months. After using the "Welcome Pack" for 2?months, they shared their experiences through interviews. Our analysis identified four key themes. First, participants felt validated and less alone when reading personal stories from other autistic people. Second, they found the "Welcome Pack" useful but emphasized the need for additional resources. Third, they reflected on the emotional impact of their diagnosis, describing both relief and grief over years of masking (hiding or suppressing their autistic traits to fit in or avoid judgment). Finally, they faced challenges in self-advocacy and explaining autism to others. Overall, participants valued the "Welcome Pack" as a helpful starting point, but they also highlighted the need for more structured peer support and workplace advocacy tools. These findings suggest that while self-guided resources can provide meaningful support, they should be integrated with broader community and professional services to better meet the needs of newly diagnosed autistic adults. En ligne : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613251335070 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=564

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