Experiencing Independence: Perspectives from Autistic Adults.
Piyali Bhattacharya, Rose J Matthews, Rae Field and 3 others
PMID 40178784WHAT IT FOUND
Autistic adults described independence as multi-dimensional, involving emotional and psychological factors, not just daily tasks.
Barriers included lack of accommodations and societal stigma. Strategies like masking helped short-term but caused exhaustion. Support was seen as essential, not a failure.
Key findings
01Participants defined independence as multi-dimensional, encompassing emotional, cognitive, social, and psychological factors, rather than solely functional abilities.
02Masking or camouflaging autistic traits was used to fit in and gain independence, but it was described as effortful and energy-draining, often leading to burnout.
03Environmental barriers, such as lack of accommodations for sensory needs and societal stigma, significantly hindered independence and mental well-being.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Small sample size (n=12) limits generalizability to the broader autistic population. Participants were mostly employed and had no severe co-occurring conditions, which may not reflect the experiences of those with greater support needs. Autistic co-researchers were involved in analysis but not in the initial study design or data collection. Recruitment was not random, relying on existing networks and databases.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham. The authors declared no other conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the participants' use of masking as a successful coping strategy. The study found that while masking helped them fit in short-term, it was described as effortful and energy-draining, often leading to burnout and compromising their well-being.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →