1. Hotez E, Hudson S, Choi KR, Kuo AA. Integrating Antiracism and Life Course Frameworks in Research with Autistic Minority Transition-Aged Youth and Young Adults. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):229-237.

Racial and ethnic minority autistic transition-aged youth and young adults (TAYA) experience a range of barriers to optimal health, development, and thriving. These barriers are related to challenges associated with this distinct developmental period, as well as experiences linked to their multiple marginalized intersectional identities. Currently, there is a need for additional research that can spur the development and dissemination of critical supports for this population. In the current perspective, we call on researchers to integrate two established frameworks for: (1) antiracism research (i.e., the Public Health Critical Race Praxis [PHCR] model) and (2) sensitivity to developmental transitions (i.e., the life course health development [LCHD] model). Together, the PHCR and LCHD models offer a practical guide to conceptualize research with this population. We discuss how the central tenets of these models apply to minority autistic TAYA, propose overarching recommendations to researchers, and highlight existing and promising approaches that reflect these recommendations.

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2. Franklin MD, Taylor EE, Floríndez DC, Guzman M, Lawson TL, Rios J, Angell AM. An Occupational Science Contribution to Camouflaging Scholarship: Centering Intersectional Experiences of Occupational Disruptions. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):238-248.

Camouflaging, the masking of neurodivergent traits to blend in with the dominant neurotypical society, is reported among autistic women. At the core of camouflaging, however, is the desire to belong, which is yet to be explored in the literature despite its costly impacts on one’s quality of life. Occupational science, a discipline concerned with human doing and belonging is uniquely situated to address camouflaging. Yet, camouflaging has not been explored from an occupational science lens. Therefore, in this conceptual article, we first explore the unique perspective that occupational science contributes to camouflaging scholarship. Given the dearth of camouflaging research and scholarship on autistic women with intersecting identities (e.g., Black autistic women), we draw from Bailey and Mobley’s Black Feminist Disability Framework. Second, analyzing existing qualitative narratives in camouflaging research, we illuminate “occupational disruptions,” or potential risk factors of camouflaging, focusing on the work environment, educational settings, and interpersonal and intimate relationships. We highlight the importance of understanding Black autistic women’s unique experiences of occupational disruptions. Third, we consider how unmasking is a privilege not granted to those beyond the margins. Finally, we conclude with implications and future directions for interdisciplinary research and scholarship, including a critique of our discipline’s paradoxical relationship between belonging theory and camouflaging, therapeutic considerations (masking vs. unmasking safely), and a call to action for scholars, practitioners, and allies to challenge the need for camouflaging to belong, thereby mitigating existing occupational disruptions.

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3. Fox J. The Impact of Intersectional Disadvantage on Autistic Women’s Experiences of Interpersonal Violence: A Narrative Review. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):249-260.

The social factors that impact autistic women’s vulnerability to interpersonal violence are underexplored within research about their experiences. The current literature review examines research about the experience of interpersonal violence for autistic women to develop a better understanding of the social factors that underpin this issue. Autistic women experience social exclusion and inequality in connection to their intersectional position as both a gender and neuro-minority group. This intersectional disadvantage contributes to the elevated rate of interpersonal violence that autistic women experience. Autistic women experience gendered forms of interpersonal violence, which are connected to inequality in accessing appropriate supports and the detrimental impacts of masking. Autistic women also face intersectional stigma associated with being both autistic and victim-survivors of interpersonal violence, which is a significant barrier to their engagement with support services. The issue of interpersonal violence and the intersectional factors that underpin this for autistic women should therefore be approached as a complex social issue rather than one of individual vulnerability.

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4. Tassone AU, Breitenfeldt KE, DeLucia EA, Albright J, McDonnell CG. A Pilot Study of Political Experiences and Barriers to Voting Among Autistic Adults Participating in Online Survey Research in the United States. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):261-272.

Background: Political participation is an important and meaningful aspect of civic engagement for adults. Existing research suggests that disabled people face barriers to political engagement. However, very little is known regarding how Autistic adults engage in politics in the United States. Methods: Participants included 276 self-consenting Autistic adults (including those with a diagnosis and self-identified) and 361 non-autistic adults. Participants completed an online survey regarding political attitudes, barriers to voting, engagement methods, and affective experiences between December 2020 and January 2021. Results: The majority of self-consenting Autistic adults in this online sample were registered to vote and identified themselves as part of the Democratic party and as very liberal. On average, Autistic adults most strongly supported policies surrounding disability rights and education. Overall, Autistic adults experienced greater barriers to voting than non-autistic adults. When adjusting for demographic differences across groups, the strongest group differences were that Autistic adults reported greater barriers to voting due to mental health difficulties, fear of crowds, and fear of leaving the house. Autistic adults engaged in politics more through social media outlets and through signing petitions relative to non-autistic adults, but reported engaging less through watching political debates, watching the news, and reading about politics in print newspapers, although effects were not maintained after adjusting for demographic differences. When asked about the current political climate, Autistic adults reported higher negative emotions (feeling upset, nervous, and afraid) than non-autistic adults. Demographic factors (age, gender, and income) related to political experiences. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest self-consenting Autistic adults face significant barriers to voting and have unique experiences related to political participation. Future research to improve and support political participation among Autistic adults is a critical research priority.

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5. Koteyko N, Van Driel M, Billan S, Barros Pena B, Vines J. Stigma Management Strategies of Autistic Social Media Users. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):273-282.

Background: Research on stigma management strategies in autism relies on questionnaires or experiments, leading to a gap in understanding of how to identify the strategies in naturalistic interactions. The identification of individual (adapting minority group characteristics) and collective (positively redeveloping the in-group) stigma management strategies in online communication is important for understanding how to improve the quality of social media experiences for autistic users. Methods: Using linguistic analysis and engaging with ethnographic perspectives on relationship management, this article develops a novel approach to the identification of individual and collective stigma management strategies of autistic social media users. We combine online observation and interviews with 34 autistic social media users with a corpus-assisted analysis of their posts, divided into two groups according to regular or limited mentions of autism. Results: We show that posts in the first group focus on information provision and exchange and include markers of shared understanding and community building as part of a collective strategy. Interviews with the authors reveal a strong sense of autistic identity and highlight the importance of staying true to one’s specific communicative preferences. Posts in the second group are characterized by tentative language (e.g., “seem” and “not sure”) as a way of avoiding social threats by users who report uncertainty and anxiety about misinterpretation of their messages. Conclusions: We show that autistic social media users have specific preferences in how they communicate and express connection online. However, due to negative experiences of social interactions some do not follow these preferences and instead select linguistic and visual resources that can reduce perceived risks of misunderstanding. We question the claims that the internet is inherently enabling for autistic users and call for further research and policy effort to ensure autistic sociality rights in all digital environments.

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6. Hull L, Rane S, Lee SH-L, Sedgewick F. “Just Ask What Support We Need”: Autistic Adults’ Feedback on Social Skills Training. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):283-292.

Background: Social skills training (SST) is an intervention intended to support the development of social communication and interaction for autistic people, often through role-play, modeling, peer mediation, or group activities. While often targeted at autistic children, adults may also be offered SST following diagnosis. Evaluations of SST generally focus on social and behavioral outcomes, with little consideration for participants’ experience of the intervention. This study was the first to seek the perspectives of autistic adults regarding their previous experiences of SST in childhood or adulthood. Methods: We interviewed a total of 11 autistic adults (5 male, 5 female, and 1 agender) from the United Kingdom online. Interviews were semi-structured and focused on participants’ previous experiences of SST and how they felt it could be improved. We analyzed data using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Autistic adults wanted support around social communication and life skills, which they felt was not always provided through SST. Participants suggested that SST should be personalized and accessible as and when needed. Support through autistic peers and trained neurotypicals was particularly valued. Some emphasized the need for non-autistic people to receive training on how to socialize with autistic people. Some participants also reported negative experiences of SST or felt that it was not necessary. Conclusions: Current SST provision in the United Kingdom does not always meet the needs of autistic adults. Services providing SST should consider personalizing their support options and ensure that autistic adults are involved in the design and delivery of SST. Some autistic people may not want or need SST, and it should be integrated to a broader range of support options.

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7. Goodwin J, Gordon I, O’Keeffe S, Carling S, Berresford A, Bhattarai N, Heslop P, Nielsen E, O’Connor RC, Ogundimu E, Pelton M, Ramsay SE, Rodgers J, Townsend E, Vale L, Wilson C, Cassidy S. Adapting Safety Plans for Autistic Adults with Involvement from the Autism Community. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):293-302.

Background: Autistic adults are at greater risk of self-harm and suicide than the general population. One promising intervention in the general population is safety planning. We aimed to seek advice from autistic adults and others in the autism community on how to adapt safety plans for autistic adults. Methods: We conducted focus groups with autistic adults (n = 15), family members (n = 5), and service providers (n = 10), about their views of the Autism Adapted Safety Plan (AASP). We also conducted interviews about the acceptability of the AASP with autistic adults who had developed an AASP (n = 8) and with service providers who had supported them (n = 8). We analyzed the focus group and interview transcripts using thematic analysis. Results: Theme 1 highlights conditions needed to make the process of creating the AASP acceptable for autistic adults. This included creating the AASP with someone they could trust and at the right place and time, when they were not in distress or in crisis. Theme 2 describes how safety planning needed to be a creative, flexible, and iterative process. Autistic adults may need help in expressing their emotions and identifying coping strategies, which can be supported through visual resources and suggestions from the service provider. To ensure that the AASP is accessible in times of crisis, it needs to meet the autistic adults’ preferences in terms of formatting and how it is stored (i.e., hard copy or electronic). Conclusions: The AASP is a potentially valuable intervention for autistic adults, provided that the process of creating it is flexible and sensitive to individual needs. Further testing of the AASP to assess its clinical effectiveness in reducing suicidal behavior could provide a life-saving intervention for autistic adults. Clinical Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN70594445, Protocol v4: 8/2/22.

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8. Garcia-Molina I, Cortés-Calvo M. “Until I Had My Son, I Did Not Realise That These Characteristics Could Be Due to Autism”: Motherhood and Family Experiences of Spanish Autistic Mothers. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):303-311.

Background: Knowledge is sparse regarding the motherhood experiences and family relationships of autistic women. Few studies use a qualitative approach to afford autistic mothers (and want-to-be-mothers) a voice. This is an analysis of the experiences of Spanish autistic mothers presented from their perspectives. Methods: Nine autistic mothers responded to open-ended questions and verbalized their experiences of maternity and family relationships in writing or orally. Data obtained were analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis. Results: We developed four main themes about the participants’ experiences: (1) autistic mothers were diagnosed after their autistic children (or close relatives) received their diagnosis; (2) role of the nuclear family (partner and children); (3) the influence of sensory processing on coexistence with the partner, and upbringing of the children, of autistic mothers; and (4) the influence of anxiety on coexistence with the partner, and upbringing of the children, of autistic mothers. Their experiences showed that the mother’s autism diagnosis can follow the diagnosis of an autistic child and highlighted the importance of a good relationship with their partners and children during the process, increasing their self-acceptance (Themes 1 and 2). Also, the influence of sensory reactivity and anxiety intensified many aspects of their maternity and relations, from pregnancy to intimate experiences (Themes 3 and 4). Conclusions: In conclusion, there is a need for greater understanding and awareness about the characteristics of autistic mothers in the Spanish context, so that family members or health care professionals could provide better individualized care for them—from their pregnancy to the upbringing of their children.

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9. Merrington H, Gibbs V, Haas K, Clark T, Robinson A, AlAnsari M, Pellicano E. What Matters Most? An Exploration of Quality of Life Through the Everyday Experiences of Autistic Young People and Adults. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):312-323.

Background: The quality of life (QoL) of Autistic people is consistently reported to be poor compared with the general population. Little is known, however, about how Autistic people experience QoL from their perspectives and the ways they would like it to be enhanced. This qualitative study, conducted in collaboration with Autistic people, sought to understand how Autistic young people and adults define a good life and what helps and hinders them from achieving a good QoL. Methods: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 34 Autistic adults and 14 Autistic adolescents about their everyday life experiences of different aspects of QoL, including physical health, sensory needs, mental health, money, home, transport, leisure, social connections, acceptance, and inclusion, being in charge of one’s life and perceptions of the future. We coded transcripts in NVivo and analyzed them using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: We identified four themes: two themes that described what a good QoL meant for our participants along with aspects of their lives that facilitated a good QoL: “feeling good” and “being myself in the world”; and two themes that described barriers to achieving a good QoL: “exhaustion and overwhelm” and “negative experiences shape perceptions.” Discussion: These findings highlight the need to consider Autistic people’s QoL within the context of their everyday realities. Enhancing QoL will only be achieved through focusing on these realities and through the provision of adaptations and supports to create more inclusive environments.

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10. Galvin J, Aguolu P, Amos A, Bayne F, Hamza F, Alcock L. Self-Compassion, Camouflaging, and Mental Health in Autistic Adults. Autism in Adulthood;2025;7(3):324-332.

Background: Previous research shows that symptoms of anxiety and depression are positively correlated with camouflaging and negatively correlated with self-compassion in autistic adults. However, no study to date has considered the inter-relationships between autistic traits, camouflaging, self-compassion, and mental health in autistic adults. Methods: In this study, autistic adults (n = 294) completed demographics (sex, age, and ethnicity), the Autism Spectrum Quotient, the Camouflaging Autistic Traits-Questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Results: We found a negative correlation between social camouflaging and self-compassion (rpartial = −0.483, p < 0.001). Serial mediation analyses revealed that camouflaging and self-compassion may indirectly influence the association between autistic traits and mental health outcomes both independently and through each other. Conclusions: The findings of this research provide greater insight into the mental health experiences of autistic adults and can inform the development of tailored interventions that target camouflaging and self-compassion.

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