| Citation: |
Griffith, G. M., Totsika, V., Nash, S., & Hastings, R. P. (2011). 'I just don't fit anywhere': Support experiences and future support needs of individuals with Aspberger syndrome in middle adulthood..
Autism, 16
(5),
532-546.
|
| Title: |
'I just don't fit anywhere': Support experiences and future support needs of individuals with Aspberger syndrome in middle adulthood. |
| Authors: |
Griffith, G. M., Totsika, V., Nash, S., & Hastings, R. P. |
| Year: |
2011 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Autism |
| Publisher: |
Sage Publications |
| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361311405223
|
| Full text: |
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361311405223
|
PDF
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
No
|
| Background: |
Research examining the experiences of individuals in middle adulthood with Asperger syndrome. Due to a historic lack of research regarding the experience of support services, and the experiences and needs of older adults with Asperger syndrome, |
|
Purpose:
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This study explored how individuals in middle adulthood with Asperger syndrome perceived its effect on their lives, their previous experiences of support and their current support needs using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to interpret interviews. |
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Study sample: |
Eleven adults with Asperger syndrome ; seven males and four females. Ages ranged from 37 to 57 years old. |
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Data collection and analysis:
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Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and interpreted using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The recorded interviews were fully transcribed verbatim and listened to while transcripts were read. Themes from the transcripts/recordings were compiled into lists and the process involved several readers/listeners/coauthors. |
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Findings:
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Four themes emerged from the analysis: living with Asperger syndrome, employment issues, experiences iwth mainstream support, and future steps towards supporting adults with Asperger syndrome. Findings highlighted the anxiety, depression and communication issues that people may experience . All participants wanted to remain as independent as possible and believed individualized support would be beneficial. |
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Conclusions:
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The conclusions of this study are that there are three main potential sources of support in employment for adults with Asperger syndrome: Autism awareness, advocacy and social skills training. The study adds to the current research on adults with Asperger syndrome and highlights the need for further research with this population in middle adulthood. Further conclusions reached were that ASD specific support services would be very useful for t his population. |
