Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 55-59 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0NU, UK.
Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK.
J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 Mar;51(3):892-905. doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04486-4.
Sixteen adults (diagnosed or self-identified as autistic) participated in one of two iterations of a ten-week autistic-led programme, aimed at helping autistic adults learn more about autism within a peer group context. Motivations for taking part in the programme included a desire for: (1) exploration of autism; (2) empowerment; and (3) the development of practical strategies and coping mechanisms. Interviews were conducted upon completion of the programme and again 6 months later. Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (1) appreciation of the autistic-led nature of the programme; (2) unity in diversity; and (3) developing a positive, practical outlook on autism. These promising initial results highlight the value of autistic-led peer support for those recently diagnosed/identified as autistic.
十六名成年人(被诊断或自认为患有自闭症)参与了为期十周的自闭症主导项目的两个迭代中的一个,该项目旨在帮助自闭症成年人在同龄人群体的背景下更多地了解自闭症。参与该项目的动机包括:(1)探索自闭症;(2)赋权;以及(3)发展实用策略和应对机制。在项目完成后和 6 个月后进行了访谈。使用主题分析,确定了三个主题:(1)对项目自闭症主导性质的赞赏;(2)多样性中的团结;以及(3)对自闭症形成积极、实用的看法。这些有希望的初步结果突出了自闭症主导的同龄支持对最近被诊断/认定为自闭症的人的价值。