| dc.description.abstract | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a relatively new diagnostic label that has undergone some
changes in the latest edition of the DSM. This research is a study of individuals diagnosed during
adulthood with ASD. Its aim is to understand the impact of diagnostic labels on the identity of
autistic adults and examine how these individuals negotiate the labels within their social
environment. To this end, the study focuses on exploring four key aspects of the subject-matter in
question: (1) the labelling process from informal labelling by peers, families, and institutions to
formally acquiring a diagnostic label; (2) identity formation as a consequence of informal and
formal labelling; (3) needs of autistic adults who are formally diagnosed; and (4) autism advocacy
as a means of making life more inclusive for high functioning autistic adults. Given the study’s
focus on the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with ASD during adulthood, participants
18 years of age or older who were formally diagnosed with either AS or ASD were interviewed.
The study’s findings show that for autistic adults receiving a diagnosis is often a positive
experience that, in many cases, enables them to finally understand their “self” and develop a
feeling of belonging; however, the lack of knowledge, services, resources and policies attuned to
their needs is the main obstacle to removing barriers preventing autistic individuals from
participating in social life as independent and autonomous members of society. | en_US |
