Exploring the Lived Experiences of Autistic Women: A Thematic Synthesis

Gosling, Jonah; Purrington, Jack; Hartley, Gemma

doi:10.1007/s40489-023-00367-5

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…Being perceived as "different," and social isolation, have been noted as vulnerabilities to being bullied in autistic children (Humphrey & Hebron, 2015). Moreover, review exploring autistic women's experiences by Gosling et al (2023) found that social difficulties increased their level of vulnerability to sexual exploitation and abuse, including having difficulties judging subtle social cues, reading other people's intentions, and understanding social rules. In addition, experiences of bullying were attributed to perceived differences such as social interaction, being very intellectual and differing interests (Gosling et al, 2023).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, review exploring autistic women's experiences by Gosling et al (2023) found that social difficulties increased their level of vulnerability to sexual exploitation and abuse, including having difficulties judging subtle social cues, reading other people's intentions, and understanding social rules. In addition, experiences of bullying were attributed to perceived differences such as social interaction, being very intellectual and differing interests (Gosling et al, 2023). Furthermore, a perceived lack of communication to report the abuse and lack of social network may lead to being targeted.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Autism: A Meta-Analysis

Hartley,

Sirois,

Purrington

et al. 2023

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

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Evidence suggests that autistic children have a higher probability of experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) compared to their non-autistic peers. This meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42022262635) aimed to quantify the association of autism and ACEs. Eight databases and Google Scholar were searched for studies that reported dichotomous outcomes regarding the associations between ACEs and autistic individuals, compared to non-autistic individuals. A random-effects model was used to calculate the average Odds Ratio (OR) of the relationship between a diagnosis of autism and ACEs. A total of 40 studies with 5,619,584 participants were included, generating an overall average OR 2.11 (CI 1.61, 2.77). Significant differences in the magnitude of association were found across studies with regards to the type of ACEs studied, comparison groups, and population type. Overall, moderate certainty evidence (downgraded for bias) indicates that autistic individuals are at greater risk of experiencing ACEs, compared to non-autistic individuals. Appropriate support for autistic individuals and their families are required to prevent ACEs and treat the impact of ACEs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Autism: A Meta-Analysis

Hartley,

Sirois,

Purrington

et al. 2023

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

Self Cite

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“…It is essential for this support to adopt person-centred approaches that integrate intersectionality issues. Special considerations should be afforded on issues of gender (i.e., the experiences of autistic women are still poorly understood 63 , but women make up the majority of the SLT workforce 64 ), LGBTQIA+ 65,66 , and other underrepresented characteristics in the profession that can add complex layers of discrimination 40 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I’m in a unique position to make a difference”: The experiences and practices of autistic speech and language therapists

Gréaux,

Katsos,

Gibson

2023

Preprint

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Background: Communication is at the root of many inequities for autistic people, which underscores the promising role that speech and language therapists (SLTs) can play in inclusion. The neurodiversity movement emphasises the need to centre autistic voices and insights to shape more inclusive workplaces and clinical services. Thus, this qualitative study investigates the experiences and practices of autistic speech and language therapists (SLTs) through the lens of a new framework called the CHAT-ICF framework.Methods: We interviewed eight autistic SLTs (6 diagnosed; 2 self-identified) practising in the UK and USA, using their preferred mode of communication. We analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: We identified fifteen sub-themes and mapped them onto six overarching components of the CHAT-ICF framework: (1) Subject (Autistic identity; Mental health; Intersectionality); (2) Tools (Conceptualisation of autism and disability; Processing; Communication); (3) Rules (Employment; Reasonable accommodations; Stigma and ableism); (4) Community (Belonging and authenticity); (5) Division of labour (Colleagues; Managers; Caregivers); and (6) Activity (Empathy; Therapeutic goals and approaches). Our results revealed that being autistic in a profession oriented towards disability and communication creates a unique set of experiences and practices. Promoting the recruitment, retention, and wellbeing of autistic SLTs requires multi-factorial and integrated solutions. Specific recommendations include the use of intersectional lenses, workforce training on neurodiversity, addressing ableism and providing reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Conclusion: Autistic SLTs are in a unique position to make a difference, but efforts are needed to promote a safer and more inclusive profession. This paper calls for a change of mindset to better appreciate the transformative potential of autistic employees to shape SLT services, with ripple effects to a more inclusive and equitable society. Research fostering the agency of autistic workers has the potential to catalyse action towards this vision.

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Unmet need for autism-aware care for gynaecological, menstrual and sexual wellbeing

de Visser,

Mosely,

Gamble-Turner

et al. 2024

Autism

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Autism can make menstruation and menopause and other aspects of reproductive and sexual health (RSH) more difficult. However, healthcare professionals (HCPs) often fail to provide autism-aware care, and often lack the skills or confidence to discuss RSH with patients. This study explored whether autistic people experience particular difficulties and have unmet needs when seeking RSH care. Online surveys consisting of forced-choice items and free-text boxes were completed by 136 autistic adults in the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analysed using standard parametric and non-parametric tests. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The data provide a clear picture of unmet needs for autism-aware healthcare for RSH. The quantitative data and qualitative analysis revealed that respondents felt: (a) uncomfortable discussing menstrual issues, menopause and sexual wellbeing; (b) that HCPs rarely accommodate their sensory needs and communication preferences; and (c) that HCPs rarely demonstrated awareness of how autism can affect RSH. This novel study highlighted widespread unmet needs for appropriate RSH care for autistic people. Effort is required to enhance HCPs’ ability to provide autism-aware care for RSH. The findings could inform the development of resources and training to improve healthcare for autistic people. Lay abstract Autistic people often experience difficulties with healthcare, and are more likely than neurotypical people to have unmet healthcare needs. They may also be more likely to find menstruation and menopause more difficult than neurotypical women. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often have insufficient training and support to work with autistic adults, and they often lack the skills or confidence to discuss reproductive and sexual health (RSH) with patients. When these two issues are combined, it would appear that autistic people may experience particular difficulties when seeking RSH care. The aim of this study was to explore autistic people’s experiences of healthcare related to RSH in the United Kingdom. Surveys were distributed with assistance of an autism charity, and were completed by 136 adults. The survey consisted mainly of tick-box responses, but there were also several opportunities for participants to write comments about their experiences. Respondents felt that HCPs almost never seem to know how autism affects their RSH. There was broad agreement that HCPs need to be more aware of the impact of autism on healthcare experiences in general, and the specific impacts of autism on RSH. The data provide a clear picture of unmet needs for autism-aware healthcare for RSH, but further research is required to explore HCPs’ knowledge about how autism affects RSH. Combined with our findings, such research could inform the development of resources and training to improve healthcare for autistic people.

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Exploring the Lived Experiences of Autistic Women: A Thematic Synthesis

Cited by 4 publications

References 78 publications

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Autism: A Meta-Analysis

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Autism: A Meta-Analysis

“I’m in a unique position to make a difference”: The experiences and practices of autistic speech and language therapists

Unmet need for autism-aware care for gynaecological, menstrual and sexual wellbeing

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