Knowing and accepting oneself: Exploring possibilities of self-awareness among working autistic young adults

Autism. 2023 Jul;27(5):1417-1425. doi: 10.1177/13623613221137428. Epub 2022 Nov 21.

Abstract

When researchers and professionals talk about autism, they commonly point out problems and risks with autism or being autistic. Several interventions are based on the idea of the problems and risks of autism. Another way of talking about autism is to point out autistic people's strengths and strategies which they use to handle barriers and problems in their lives in order to live good lives on their own terms. In this article, the researchers explore how autistic young adults formulate their own difficulties, strengths and support needs in order to get right support from support people. To be able to formulate this, autistic people need to get to know oneself and one's own way of functioning. Autistic own self-knowledge must be central when formal support people, such as social workers, formulate support and interventions aimed at helping autistic people, in order for the support/intervention to be helpful.

Keywords: adults; autism; autistic-centred support; neurodiversity; self-awareness.

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder*
  • Autistic Disorder*
  • Humans
  • Perception
  • Research Personnel
  • Self Concept
  • Young Adult