Abstract Sixteen adults (diagnosed or self-identified as autistic) participated in one of two iterations a ten-week autistic-led programme, aimed at helping autistic learn more about autism within peer group context. Motivations for taking part the programme included desire for: (1) exploration autism; (2) empowerment; and (3) development practical strategies coping mechanisms. Interviews were conducted upon completion again 6 months later. Using thematic analysis, three themes identified:...

Background: Autistic individuals face challenges in the workplace, particularly related to social communication. Diagnostic disclosure may mitigate these challenges, but it also exposes potential discrimination. This study aimed share diagnostic experiences of autistic adults workplace help employers better understand process, and other make an informed decision about disclosure. Methods: The participants this were 238 clinically diagnosed, U.K.-based with employment experience. Participants...

Autistic people are less likely to have a job than non-autistic people. One reason for this may be that hiring processes (e.g. applications, interviews) can challenging autistic To better understand the experiences of in United Kingdom, we asked 225 autistic, 64 neurodivergent (but not autistic) and adults with no reported area neurodivergence questions about their using an online survey. We found range similarities differences responses. For example, participants all three groups were...

Masking entails hiding or concealing one's traits during social interactions. Research suggests that masking is particularly common for autistic people, though many non-autistic people also conceal aspects of their identity. Existing research has identified the key motivations and consequences masking. No to date, however, considered how this might be affected by context in which employed. This study compared experiences 285 autistic, 88 neurodivergent 99 neurotypical adults within a...

Previous research examining how parents talk about autism with their children has tended to focus on who are not autistic themselves. We collected information this topic from 34 of (most whom had told diagnosis). found similarities, but also differences, between the views and experiences in those reported previous (in studies largely non-autistic parents). Similarities include following: it is important be open honest diagnosis; diagnosis should introduced/discussed as early possible;...

This article examines 181 autistic adults’ views toward, and experiences of, requesting receiving workplace adjustments in the UK. Using an online survey, we collected both qualitative quantitative data relating to individuals’ experiences. While majority of participants perceived be important, many were not them. Analysis open-ended text responses highlighted specific challenges that people face adjustments. Specifically, felt onus fell on them ( 1 ) identify their need for adjustments; 2...

A growing body of research has sought to understand autistic people's priorities. Several these studies have identified employment as a key priority. Yet, there been few attempts identify specific, actionable priorities within this area.

While work on the relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health has allowed for some progress, research in this area is still relatively new shows mixed evidence. This partly consequence of a rapidly changing field, resulting conceptualisation measurement issues that hinder progress. Given need robust conceptualisation, present study included five focus groups with 26 adolescents aged 11-15 Northwest England, to understand their experiences, motivations, perceptions use,...

Exploring Being Autistic is an autistic-led group-based programme providing psychoeducation and peer support to newly identified/diagnosed autistic adults. In 2020, due social distancing measures implemented following the coronavirus pandemic, was adapted for online delivery. Here, we aimed replicate previous research into in-person delivery of Autistic, determine whether similar results were obtained when delivered online. Further, identify unique opportunities challenges that afforded.

Several measures have been developed to assess loneliness in the general population. Here, we examined if, and how accurately, widely-used capture experience of autistic adults. A total 203 participants from UK completed an online survey, which included two questionnaires: University California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale Version 3 Social Emotional for Adults (SELSA). Participants provided their views on well they captured experiences loneliness. direct measure, asking often felt...

Employment contributes to wellbeing, yet many autistic people who want work face barriers meaningful employment. Much research focuses solely on employment rates, rather than taking a more holistic view of professional trajectories and occupational experiences. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 adults explore their experiences of, perspectives on, career success. Our participants highlighted the overarching importance finding fulfilment in one's career. Using reflexive thematic...

Changes to special educational needs and disability (SEND) legislation in England were implemented 2014. Here, we evaluate the impact of these changes from perspective 80 autistic young people aged 16–25 years. Using an online survey and/or interviews, examined people’s views on three key principles SEND reforms: help support provided them; whether they given a say choices that offered; their satisfaction with journeys outcomes. The results paint mixed picture. Our sample reported varied...

The transition to university can be challenging for all students. However, the might especially autistic students because of changes in routines, environments, and expectations. Support during this period is important well-being academic success, yet report facing barriers when accessing adequate support. Although disability support staff play a vital role, their perspectives regarding effective have been overlooked. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 from seven UK universities...

Many autistic people want to work but have trouble finding jobs they like and can stick with. Most research tries help more get jobs, does not look at whether those are fulfilling, or how progress once start working. We spoke 18 about their experiences work, ideas success work. Participants said fulfilment in careers was key. found five common 'themes' across the interviews. First, people's often take unexpected turns. For example, many participants only got diagnosed as adults, which...

Background: Limited research has examined autistic people's experiences of aging. Although the significance retirement in context aging been highlighted by people themselves, there is a dearth this regard, with only one study focusing on man. Methods: In study, we conducted semi-structured interviews eight older (mean age = 63 years, range 56–70 years) who had retired or semi-retired past 10 and four were planning to retire next 5 years. We aimed generate some first insights regarding...

While work on the relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health has allowed for some progress, research in this area is still relatively new shows mixed evidence. This partly consequence of a rapidly changing field, resulting conceptualisation measurement issues that hinder progress. Given need robust conceptualisation, present study included five focus groups with 26 adolescents aged 11-15 Northwest England, to understand their experiences, motivations, perceptions use,...

Education professionals (n = 41) in special schools were interviewed about supporting their autistic pupils transitioning to adulthood following the introduction of Children and Families Act 2014. Our participants explained how they lacked time fully implement knowledge gained from training, leading growing reliance on experiential expertise. While our reported employing a variety methods elicit voices pupils, uncertain effective ethical these were. Further, lack available opportunities...

Autistic people are more likely to have mental and physical health problems than non-autistic people. Annual checks could reduce these by finding treating them early. yearly medical appointments where a primary healthcare provider (such as doctor or nurse) can check things like patient's weight heart rate ask if they any worries about their health. In this study, we wanted understand what might encourage providers use annual with autistic patients. First, spoke 10 11 providers. Using the...

Background: The challenges that autistic young people face when accessing support have been well-documented. However, such issues may be exacerbated for who additional marginalized identities (e.g., being from a minority ethnic group or gender) compared to do not identities. Methods: We took participatory approach included with multiple at every stage of the research process. Our team interviewed 13 (aged 16 – 25 years) also identified other analyzed data using reflexive thematic analysis....