Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Autistic Adults

This book details a narrative study conducted through a social model of disability lens that centers voices of autistic individuals. By including autistic people in research design, implementation, and support services, academics and therapists can learn from the neurodivergent and move toward a more socially just praxis.

This anthology includes essays from a diverse group of adult-diagnosed autistic people. Our essays reflect the value of knowing why—why we are different from so many other people, why it can be so hard to do things others can take for granted, and why there is often such a mismatch between others' treatment of us and our own needs, skills, and experiences. Essay topics include recovering from burnout, exploring our passions and interests, and coping with sensory overload, especially in social situations.

This book explores adult experiences of autism diagnosis. Focusing on the experiences of 21 interviewees, the structure of the book mirrors the seven stages undergone upon diagnosis, and raises important questions about modern society and the self, amidst this life-changing news. Analysing a broad range of empirical interview data including adults who had experiences of other diagnoses, and adults who seemed to function normally before their autism diagnosis, the authors use these stories to examine how autism diagnosis can be extremely important and helpful, but also generate a great deal of negativity. Illuminating a range of testimonies that have previously been kept in the shadows, this book will not only appeal to students and scholars of autism in adults, but also to practitioners as well as adults who have been diagnosed with autism.

The difference that being female makes to the diagnosis, life and experiences of a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has largely gone unresearched and unreported until recently. In this book Sarah Hendrickx has collected both academic research and personal stories about girls and women on the autism spectrum to present a picture of their feelings, thoughts and experiences at each stage of their lives. Outlining how autism presents differently and can hide itself in females and what the likely impact will be for them throughout their lifespan, the book looks at how females with ASD experience diagnosis, childhood, education, adolescence, friendships, sexuality, employment, pregnancy and parenting, and aging. It will provide invaluable guidance for the professionals who support these girls and women and it will offer women with autism a guiding light in interpreting and understanding their own life experiences through the experiences of others.

This updated and expanded edition considers the continuing dismal employment statistics for individuals with ASD. The authors take an in-depth look at entrepreneurship. Using real-life examples, they point out that many of the unique characteristics of individuals on the autism spectrum lend themselves well to entrepreneurial ventures. The book explores many unnoticed aspects of Vocational Rehabilitation programs that provide job training and placement for people with disabilities, as well as Social Security Administration programs that offer vocational assistance. Employment figures and prospects have been updated, and new jobs have been added that are well suited for those on the spectrum.

Your critical, evidence-informed and scholarly examination of some of the key issues and debates surrounding Autism. As a student you need to have a strong grounding in Autism, but also engage in the key debates that are happening now. This book will not only not only provide you with a robust foundation but will offer you strategies to use your critical thinking by outlining and engaging with crucial discussions. Each chapter focuses upon an area related to Autism, including ethical and social arguments, transitions, international perspectives and strategies when working with autistic children, people and adults. Key features include: · Case studies of individual and collective experiences of individuals who are living with Autism and those associated with them · Exercises that encourage you to engage with key debates and research · Pauses for reflection to help you assess your own understanding · Key research that will provide you with a better critical knowledge Trevor Cotterill is Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) SEND at the University of Derby.

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- CONTENTS -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- 1 Introduction and Overview -- 2 Physical and Mental Health -- 3 Education -- 4 Social and Community Connections -- 5 Employment -- 6 Independence and Daily Living -- 7 Future Focus: Experiences and Aspirations -- 8 Research Methods and Demographics -- Appendices -- Appendix 1: Adult Participant Survey -- Appendix 2: Parent Survey -- Appendix 3: Professionals Telephone Interview Questions -- Appendix 4: The Experiences and Needs of Female Adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder -- Glossary -- Bibliography

Describes and suggests concrete ways to deal with challenges that may arise in areas of both daily life and love, covering everything from grocery shopping to getting along better with family members. Understanding the special relationship between self-esteem and success at independence, the author's advice is based very purposefully on autistic strengths, and reflects the belief and hope that autistic adults can both contribute to and enjoy all life has to offer.--From publisher description.