It is More Anxiousness than Role-playing: Social Camouflaging Conceptualization Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum Compared to Persons with Social Anxiety Disorder / Anna PYSZKOWSKA in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55-9 (September 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 55-9 (September 2025) . - p.3154-3166 Titre : It is More Anxiousness than Role-playing: Social Camouflaging Conceptualization Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum Compared to Persons with Social Anxiety Disorder Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.3154-3166 Langues : Anglais (eng) Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Purpose. Autistic individuals consider social camouflaging, e.g., masking autistic traits or social skills compensation, as exhausting and effortful, often leading to diminished well-being or burnout, as well as adaptive for satisfying social interactions. Developing camouflaging may result in isolation, social avoidance, increased self-stigmatization, and misdiagnosis, including social anxiety disorder. The study?s objective was to explore and conceptualize social camouflaging, with a particular focus on social anxiety symptoms, autistic burnout, and public stigma, among autistic individuals, with two comparative samples: with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and dual diagnoses (SAD+ASD). Methods. 254 individuals participated in the study (including 186 females, 148 with ASD diagnosis). CAT-Q, AQ-10, AASPIRE?s Autistic Burnout Scale, LSAS-SR, The Perceived Public Stigma Scale were used. Results. The findings suggest differences in the interrelation dynamics between the samples studied, with autistic burnout and social anxiety symptoms of essential significance in camouflaging strategies, and autistic traits being of secondary importance. Structural equation models showed that the proposed conceptualization, with camouflaging and autistic burnout as the outcome variables, exhibited acceptable fit, implying that this strategy is costly and may result in exhaustion. Conclusion. The total score of camouflaging did not differ between the groups studied, suggesting that a tendency to camouflage is rather transdiagnostic, deriving from anxiousness and negative self-perception, not being autistic per se. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06416-0 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=566 [article] It is More Anxiousness than Role-playing: Social Camouflaging Conceptualization Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum Compared to Persons with Social Anxiety Disorder [texte imprimé] / Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur . - p.3154-3166. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders > 55-9 (September 2025) . - p.3154-3166 Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Purpose. Autistic individuals consider social camouflaging, e.g., masking autistic traits or social skills compensation, as exhausting and effortful, often leading to diminished well-being or burnout, as well as adaptive for satisfying social interactions. Developing camouflaging may result in isolation, social avoidance, increased self-stigmatization, and misdiagnosis, including social anxiety disorder. The study?s objective was to explore and conceptualize social camouflaging, with a particular focus on social anxiety symptoms, autistic burnout, and public stigma, among autistic individuals, with two comparative samples: with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and dual diagnoses (SAD+ASD). Methods. 254 individuals participated in the study (including 186 females, 148 with ASD diagnosis). CAT-Q, AQ-10, AASPIRE?s Autistic Burnout Scale, LSAS-SR, The Perceived Public Stigma Scale were used. Results. The findings suggest differences in the interrelation dynamics between the samples studied, with autistic burnout and social anxiety symptoms of essential significance in camouflaging strategies, and autistic traits being of secondary importance. Structural equation models showed that the proposed conceptualization, with camouflaging and autistic burnout as the outcome variables, exhibited acceptable fit, implying that this strategy is costly and may result in exhaustion. Conclusion. The total score of camouflaging did not differ between the groups studied, suggesting that a tendency to camouflage is rather transdiagnostic, deriving from anxiousness and negative self-perception, not being autistic per se. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06416-0 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=566

Knowledge is not power, after all? Knowledge about autism and its associations with self-stigma, cognitive fusion, and distress among parents of children on the autism spectrum / Anna PYSZKOWSKA in Research in Autism, 131 (March 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 131 (March 2026) . - 202811 Titre : Knowledge is not power, after all? Knowledge about autism and its associations with self-stigma, cognitive fusion, and distress among parents of children on the autism spectrum Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Paulina BUREK, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur Article en page(s) : 202811 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Knowledge about autism  Parents of children with ASD  Self-stigma  Cognitive fusion  Social support  Distress Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience distress, diminished social support, and are at risk of stigmatization that can lead to the internalization of public stigma in the form of self-stigma. The role of cognitive fusion in maintaining negative symptoms has been proposed. Little is known about the role of knowledge about autism in preventing self-stigma and distress. The aim of this study was to determine a) relationships between knowledge about the autism spectrum and self-stigma, distress, cognitive fusion, and social support and b) the level of knowledge about ASD among parents of children with ASD in Poland. A path model of potential associations was proposed. Methods The study was cross-sectional and used the following measurements: Autism Knowledge Scale-General, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, Self-Stigma in Relatives of People with Mental Illness Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. 222 parents of children on the autism spectrum participated in the study (Mage = 38.93, SDage = 6.66), including 182 females. Results The research showed that Polish parents of children with ASD exhibited extensive knowledge about autistic symptoms, although they provided mixed responses regarding topics under scientific (e.g., rates of ASD among females) or public (e.g., autism in adulthood) debate. PLS-SEM analysis revealed that knowledge about autism was a significant predictor of cognitive fusion, social support, and self-stigma that, in turn, predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions The results suggest that knowledge about autism can be beneficial (e.g., allowing for seeking social support) and causing one’s suffering (e.g., enhancing distress). Therefore, developing defusion and establishing one’s motivations for acquiring knowledge about ASD is essential in clinical practice when working with parents of children with ASD. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202811 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=581 [article] Knowledge is not power, after all? Knowledge about autism and its associations with self-stigma, cognitive fusion, and distress among parents of children on the autism spectrum [texte imprimé] / Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Paulina BUREK, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur . - 202811. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 131 (March 2026) . - 202811 Mots-clés : Knowledge about autism  Parents of children with ASD  Self-stigma  Cognitive fusion  Social support  Distress Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience distress, diminished social support, and are at risk of stigmatization that can lead to the internalization of public stigma in the form of self-stigma. The role of cognitive fusion in maintaining negative symptoms has been proposed. Little is known about the role of knowledge about autism in preventing self-stigma and distress. The aim of this study was to determine a) relationships between knowledge about the autism spectrum and self-stigma, distress, cognitive fusion, and social support and b) the level of knowledge about ASD among parents of children with ASD in Poland. A path model of potential associations was proposed. Methods The study was cross-sectional and used the following measurements: Autism Knowledge Scale-General, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, Self-Stigma in Relatives of People with Mental Illness Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. 222 parents of children on the autism spectrum participated in the study (Mage = 38.93, SDage = 6.66), including 182 females. Results The research showed that Polish parents of children with ASD exhibited extensive knowledge about autistic symptoms, although they provided mixed responses regarding topics under scientific (e.g., rates of ASD among females) or public (e.g., autism in adulthood) debate. PLS-SEM analysis revealed that knowledge about autism was a significant predictor of cognitive fusion, social support, and self-stigma that, in turn, predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions The results suggest that knowledge about autism can be beneficial (e.g., allowing for seeking social support) and causing one’s suffering (e.g., enhancing distress). Therefore, developing defusion and establishing one’s motivations for acquiring knowledge about ASD is essential in clinical practice when working with parents of children with ASD. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202811 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=581

Loud and proud: Collective self-esteem is negatively associated with internalized stigma and minority stress. A mixed methods study of intersectional stigma among queer autistic adults from Poland / Anna PYSZKOWSKA in Research in Autism, 130 (February 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 130 (February 2026) . - p.202781 Titre : Loud and proud: Collective self-esteem is negatively associated with internalized stigma and minority stress. A mixed methods study of intersectional stigma among queer autistic adults from Poland Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.202781 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Queer  Intersectional stigma  Collective self-esteem  Minority stress  Internalized stigma Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Previous research shows a significant prevalence of autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or queer when compared to neurotypical peers. Both these populations may experience discrimination and stigma; therefore, autistic members of the LGBTQ+ community may experience intersectional stigma (having multiple marginalized identities) or invisibility (being omitted from the discourse). However, being a part of a minority group may lead to developing collective self-esteem, including pride and acceptance. Additionally, using symbols may be a significant communication tool among autistic individuals. The current study aimed to identify: 1) quantitative links between intersectional stigma (queer minority stress and internalized autism stigma), social camouflaging, collective self-esteem, and life satisfaction, and 2) qualitative themes regarding wearing visible queer symbols in an adult LGBTQ+ autistic population from Poland. One hundred thirty-four persons (including 59.70 % women) participated in the study, consisting of seven quantitative measurements and nine open-ended questions. Autism-related internalized stigma and queer minority stress exhibited significant associations, while life satisfaction was correlated with diminished internalized stigma and minority stress, higher collective self-esteem, and stigma resistance. 42.53 % of the respondents declared wearing visible queer symbols in public and answered open-ended questions that were thematically analyzed. Five themes were developed to capture their experiences, e.g., positive and negative aspects, symbols as social signaling, and community building. Lived experiences highlighted the significance of signaling one’s queer identity to their self-esteem, sense of pride, and as a tool for social communication. These qualitative results align with quantitative ones, deepening our understanding of queer autistic community. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202781 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=579 [article] Loud and proud: Collective self-esteem is negatively associated with internalized stigma and minority stress. A mixed methods study of intersectional stigma among queer autistic adults from Poland [texte imprimé] / Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur . - p.202781. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 130 (February 2026) . - p.202781 Mots-clés : Autism  Queer  Intersectional stigma  Collective self-esteem  Minority stress  Internalized stigma Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Previous research shows a significant prevalence of autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or queer when compared to neurotypical peers. Both these populations may experience discrimination and stigma; therefore, autistic members of the LGBTQ+ community may experience intersectional stigma (having multiple marginalized identities) or invisibility (being omitted from the discourse). However, being a part of a minority group may lead to developing collective self-esteem, including pride and acceptance. Additionally, using symbols may be a significant communication tool among autistic individuals. The current study aimed to identify: 1) quantitative links between intersectional stigma (queer minority stress and internalized autism stigma), social camouflaging, collective self-esteem, and life satisfaction, and 2) qualitative themes regarding wearing visible queer symbols in an adult LGBTQ+ autistic population from Poland. One hundred thirty-four persons (including 59.70 % women) participated in the study, consisting of seven quantitative measurements and nine open-ended questions. Autism-related internalized stigma and queer minority stress exhibited significant associations, while life satisfaction was correlated with diminished internalized stigma and minority stress, higher collective self-esteem, and stigma resistance. 42.53 % of the respondents declared wearing visible queer symbols in public and answered open-ended questions that were thematically analyzed. Five themes were developed to capture their experiences, e.g., positive and negative aspects, symbols as social signaling, and community building. Lived experiences highlighted the significance of signaling one’s queer identity to their self-esteem, sense of pride, and as a tool for social communication. These qualitative results align with quantitative ones, deepening our understanding of queer autistic community. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202781 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=579

Measuring camouflaging of autistic traits in autistic and non-autistic adults: Validation of the Polish CAT-Q (CAT-Q-PL) / Agnieszka SIEDLER in Research in Autism, 136 (August 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 136 (August 2026) . - 202966 Titre : Measuring camouflaging of autistic traits in autistic and non-autistic adults: Validation of the Polish CAT-Q (CAT-Q-PL) Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Agnieszka SIEDLER, Auteur ; Ewa PISULA, Auteur ; Katarzyna TOMASZEK, Auteur ; Anna BANASIAK, Auteur ; Laura HULL, Auteur ; Edyta IDCZAK-PACEÅš, Auteur ; Joanna KOSSEWSKA, Auteur ; Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Agata WĘDZONKA, Auteur ; Ewa ZASĘPA, Auteur Article en page(s) : 202966 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autistic traits  Camouflaging  CAT-Q  Validation  Autism spectrum Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Camouflaging refers to strategies used to compensate for or conceal autism-related traits in social contexts and has received increasing attention due to its implications for diagnosis and well-being. Although prior work on the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) generally supports good psychometric properties across language versions, questions remain about construct equivalence across groups defined by diagnostic status or sex/gender. We validated the Polish CAT-Q (CAT-Q-PL) in 1421 adults (331 self-reported autism diagnosis, 287 self-identifying as autistic without a formal diagnosis, and 803 non-autistic). Exploratory factor analysis supported the intended three-factor structure (Compensation, Masking, Assimilation), whereas confirmatory factor analysis showed suboptimal fit, particularly in the non-autistic and self-identifying groups. Internal consistency was acceptable to excellent. Multi-group CFA supported full measurement invariance across gender; across identification-group contrasts, metric invariance was supported but scalar/threshold invariance was not, limiting latent mean comparisons. In the diagnosed autistic and non-autistic groups, CAT-Q-PL scores were associated with autistic traits and with depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas associations were weaker and less consistent in the self-identifying group. Overall, the CAT-Q-PL appears suitable for research use in Polish adult samples, although some item-level refinement is warranted. Further measurement work is needed to clarify the stability and conceptual equivalence of camouflaging across groups differing in diagnostic status and gender, particularly given the limited number of men included in the study. The findings also indicate the need for more in-depth comparative research on the properties of the CAT-Q and, more broadly, on the phenomenon of camouflaging across different linguistic and cultural contexts. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202966 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=592 [article] Measuring camouflaging of autistic traits in autistic and non-autistic adults: Validation of the Polish CAT-Q (CAT-Q-PL) [texte imprimé] / Agnieszka SIEDLER, Auteur ; Ewa PISULA, Auteur ; Katarzyna TOMASZEK, Auteur ; Anna BANASIAK, Auteur ; Laura HULL, Auteur ; Edyta IDCZAK-PACEÅš, Auteur ; Joanna KOSSEWSKA, Auteur ; Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Agata WĘDZONKA, Auteur ; Ewa ZASĘPA, Auteur . - 202966. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 136 (August 2026) . - 202966 Mots-clés : Autistic traits  Camouflaging  CAT-Q  Validation  Autism spectrum Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Camouflaging refers to strategies used to compensate for or conceal autism-related traits in social contexts and has received increasing attention due to its implications for diagnosis and well-being. Although prior work on the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) generally supports good psychometric properties across language versions, questions remain about construct equivalence across groups defined by diagnostic status or sex/gender. We validated the Polish CAT-Q (CAT-Q-PL) in 1421 adults (331 self-reported autism diagnosis, 287 self-identifying as autistic without a formal diagnosis, and 803 non-autistic). Exploratory factor analysis supported the intended three-factor structure (Compensation, Masking, Assimilation), whereas confirmatory factor analysis showed suboptimal fit, particularly in the non-autistic and self-identifying groups. Internal consistency was acceptable to excellent. Multi-group CFA supported full measurement invariance across gender; across identification-group contrasts, metric invariance was supported but scalar/threshold invariance was not, limiting latent mean comparisons. In the diagnosed autistic and non-autistic groups, CAT-Q-PL scores were associated with autistic traits and with depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas associations were weaker and less consistent in the self-identifying group. Overall, the CAT-Q-PL appears suitable for research use in Polish adult samples, although some item-level refinement is warranted. Further measurement work is needed to clarify the stability and conceptual equivalence of camouflaging across groups differing in diagnostic status and gender, particularly given the limited number of men included in the study. The findings also indicate the need for more in-depth comparative research on the properties of the CAT-Q and, more broadly, on the phenomenon of camouflaging across different linguistic and cultural contexts. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202966 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=592

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