| Title: |
Dropping the Mask: It Takes Two |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Julia M. Cook (ORCID 0000-0002-8984-6656); Laura Crane (ORCID 0000-0002-4161-3490); William Mandy (ORCID 0000-0002-3564-5808) |
| Source: |
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2024 28(4):831-842. |
| Availability: |
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
12 |
| Publication Date: |
2024 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Autism Spectrum Disorders; Social Behavior; Attitudes; Interaction; Interpersonal Relationship; Interpersonal Communication; Interests; Social Environment; Inclusion; Communication Skills; Well Being; Adults; Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: |
United Kingdom |
| DOI: |
10.1177/13623613231183059 |
| ISSN: |
1362-3613; 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: |
In some social situations, autistic people feel pressure to modify their innate social behaviour (i.e. camouflage), while in other social situations they feel free to engage in ways that feel authentic or true to themselves. To date, the latter aspect of autistic people's experience has rarely been explored. Using an online qualitative survey, this study examined 133 autistic people's experiences and perspectives of socialising in ways that felt authentic to them, with a particular focus on mixed-neurotype interactions and the role of nonautistic people. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) embracing diverse communication styles, interests and perspectives; (2) creating a more inclusive mixed-neurotype social environment together; (3) minimising and managing mixed-neurotype miscommunication in mutually beneficial ways; and (4) enjoyable interactions involving reduced anxiety and exhaustion as well as genuine connection and rapport. These findings are discussed with reference to theory and research involving the construct of authenticity both inside and outside the field of autism research. The knowledge generated in this study illuminates a previously underexplored aspect of autistic people's experience and elucidates potential avenues through which to enhance the social experiences and well-being of this group. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2024 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1419072 |
| Database: |
ERIC |