2017/03/22 by Lucie Kanfiszer, Fran Davies, Suzanne Collins · 1 voice · 2 citations
Neuroscience · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Autism Spectrum Disorder Research #Family and Disability Support Research #Child Development and Digital Technology
paper · doi:10.1177/1362361316687987
openalex publication_date 2017/03/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
Existing literature exploring autism spectrum disorders within female populations predominantly utilises quantitative methodology. A limited number of small-scale, qualitative studies have explored the experiences of adolescent girls with autism spectrum disorder, but adult women have remained largely unheard. This study aims to broaden the stories told within autobiographical literature and empower those within the wider community of women with autism spectrum disorder. In doing so, it seeks to extend existing conceptualisations of experience to include socially and culturally located factors. A qualitative methodology was adopted, utilising multi-stage narrative analysis. Seven semi-structured interviews with women who received a diagnosis in adulthood were conducted. Recruitment spanned community mental health services, an inpatient service and a community support group. From the women's diverse experiences and stories emerged two broad categories related to gender identity and social relationships. The findings are discussed in relation to existing constructs of autism in women.