‘You don’t look autistic’: A qualitative exploration of women’s experiences of being the ‘autistic other’

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132199372
Author(s):  
Kate Seers ◽  
Rachel C Hogg
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Expectations ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Spectrum Condition ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experiences Of Women

There is currently a paucity of literature exploring the experiences of women on the autism spectrum. It is imperative research is conducted to capture the experiences of women on the autism spectrum and ensure appropriate support is provided to this cohort. Drawing upon a social constructionist framework, this qualitative research study sought to understand how psychological and socio-cultural constructions of autism spectrum condition and gender influence the well-being of women on the autism spectrum. Eight participants engaged in a semi-structured interview, with thematic analysis conducted to demonstrate the impact of gender roles and social expectations on the women’s identity and autism spectrum condition expression. The research highlighted the changing understandings of autism spectrum condition across a woman’s lifespan and the process and impact of resisting hegemonic autism spectrum condition categorisation. The findings demonstrate that social constructions of gender and stereotypical understandings of autism spectrum condition, which prioritise a deficit, medical model, have significant consequences for women’s well-being and subjectivity. The women experienced challenging formative years, but with diagnosis and the evolution and acceptance of their identities, they were able to resist negative narratives of autism spectrum condition, embrace their strengths and develop adaptive coping strategies. It is hoped this article generates insights for societal and clinical recognition to better support women on the autism spectrum. Lay abstract Most autism spectrum condition research addresses the neurological and biological causes of autism spectrum condition, focusing upon deficits associated with autism spectrum condition and behavioural interventions designed to minimise these deficits. Little is known about the lived experiences of adult women on the autism spectrum and how they navigate social expectations around gender, autism spectrum condition and gendered understandings of autism spectrum condition. The lived experiences of eight women on the AS will be shared here, with attention to how gendered expectations influence women’s experiences of autism spectrum condition, their sense of self and well-being. Findings showed these women struggled to reconcile the expectations of others, particularly early in life. The women had difficultly conforming to stereotypical ideals of femininity, yet as they aged, they felt less need to conform, valuing their unique style and behaviours. The women also rejected deficit-oriented descriptions of autism spectrum condition generated by the medical community, preferring to focus on their strengths and unique characteristics. It is hoped this article helps psychologists and the wider community to understand and meet the needs of women on the AS.

scholarly journals ‘I was exhausted trying to figure it out’: The experiences of females receiving an autism diagnosis in middle to late adulthood

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Leedham ◽  
Andrew R Thompson ◽  
Richard Smith ◽  
Megan Freeth
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
The Self ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Late Adulthood ◽  
Spectrum Condition ◽  
Fitting In ◽  
The Impact

Females often receive autism spectrum condition diagnoses later than males, leaving needs misunderstood. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of female adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition in middle to late adulthood. Eleven autistic females diagnosed over the age of 40 years completed semi-structured interviews, analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged: A hidden condition (pretending to be normal and fitting in; mental health and mislabelling), The process of acceptance (initial reactions and search for understanding; re-living life through a new lens), The impact of others post-diagnosis (initial reactions; stereotyped assumptions), and A new identity on the autism spectrum (negotiating relationships, connections and community; changing well-being and views of the self; the meaning of diagnosis). Findings highlight several factors not previously identified that affect late diagnosis in females, including widespread limited understandings of others. Diagnosis was experienced by several participants as facilitating transition from being self-critical to self-compassionate, coupled with an increased sense of agency. Participants experienced a change in identity that enabled greater acceptance and understanding of the self. However, this was painful to adjust to at such a late stage.

scholarly journals Dispositions that matter: Investigating criminalized women’s resettlement through their (trans)carceral habitus

2021 ◽  
pp. 174889582110173
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Health Safety ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Theoretical Innovation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experiences Of Women ◽  
Feminist Work

Whether prisoner resettlement is framed in terms of public health, safety, economic prudence, recidivism, social justice, or humanitarianism, it is difficult to overstate its importance. This article investigates women’s experiences exiting prison in Canada to deepen understandings of post-carceral trajectories and their implications. It combines feminist work on transcarceration and Bourdieusian theory with qualitative research undertaken in Canada to propose the (trans)carceral habitus as a theoretical innovation. This research illuminates the continuity of criminalized women’s marginalization before and beyond their imprisonment, the embodied nature of these experiences, and the adaptive dispositions that they have demonstrated and depended on throughout their lives. In doing so, this article extends criminological work on carceral habitus which has rarely considered the experiences of women. Implications for resettlement are discussed by tracing the impact of criminalized women’s (trans)carceral habitus (i.e. distrust, skepticism, vigilance about their environments and relationships) on their willingness to access support and services offered by resettlement organizations.

Women's Experiences of Care During Pregnancy in a Continuity of Midwifery Care Project in Rural Sweden

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-144
Author(s):  
Ingegerd Hildingsson
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Midwifery Care ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Care Project ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cluster 2

BACKGROUNDIn antenatal care, health checkups, information, and support is provided to women. Midwifery continuity models of care provide women access to evidence-based care.OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to evaluate women's experiences of pregnancy and antenatal care in a continuity of midwifery care project, as well as to gauge the impact the project had on the women's emotional well-being and satisfaction.METHODThis was a cohort study of 226 women enrolled in a continuity of care project in rural Sweden. Profiles of the women were created based on levels of depressive symptoms, worries, fear of birth, and sense of coherence. Data was collected through questionnaires. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated between the clusters for the explanatory variables.RESULTWomen in the two clusters differed in some background characteristics. Women in Cluster 2 had more visits to a doctor. They also received more counseling due to fear of birth and viewed the number of midwives as “too many.” They were less satisfied with the medical, emotional, and overall aspects of their antenatal care. Perceived health, preparedness for birth, and parenthood were rated lower by women in Cluster 2.CONCLUSIONThis study found that women's assessment of their antenatal care was associated with their emotional health. Negative feelings toward changes in pregnancy were often found in women with poorer emotional health, and these women reported being less prepared for birth and parenthood. Thus, it is important to identify women with emotional distress and to provide them additional support and continuity.

scholarly journals Unfounded Sexual Assault: Women’s Experiences of Not Being Believed by the Police

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052097819
Author(s):  
Jodie Murphy-Oikonen ◽  
Karen McQueen ◽  
Ainsley Miller ◽  
Lori Chambers ◽  
Alexa Hiebert
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Sexual Assaults ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sexual Assault Survivors ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
The Impact

One in four women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Although less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement, one in five cases reported to police are deemed baseless (by police) and therefore coded as “unfounded.” Police officers are in a unique position to act as gatekeepers for justice in sexual assault cases, given their responsibility to investigate sexual assault reports. However, high rates of unfounded sexual assaults reveal that dismissing sexual violence has become common practice amongst the police. Much of the research on unfounded sexual assault is based on police perceptions of the sexual assault, as indicated in police reports. Women’s perspectives about their experiences with police are not represented in research. This qualitative study explored women’s experiences when their sexual assault report was disbelieved by the police. Data collection included open-ended and semi-structured interviews with 23 sexual assault survivors. Interviews covered four areas including the sexual assault, the experience with the police, the experience of not being believed, and the impact on their health and well-being. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVIVO for analysis. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s analytic method, resulting in the identification of four themes, including, (a) vulnerability, (b) drug and alcohol use during the assault, (c) police insensitivity, and (d) police process. The women in this study who experienced a sexual assault and reported the assault to police were hopeful that police would help them and justice would be served. Instead, these women were faced with insensitivity, blaming questions, lack of investigation, and lack of follow-up from the police, all of which contributed to not being believed by the institutions designed to protect them. The findings from this research demonstrate that police officers must gain a deeper understanding of trauma and sensitive communication with survivors of sexual assault.

scholarly journals In Front of the Mirror of Social Expectations: Experiences of Women Until They Are Given a Diagnosis of Infertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-83
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Walentynowicz-Moryl
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Social Expectations ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Uncertain Future ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Experiences Of Women

The aim of this article is to overview women’s experiences in view of social expectations about having children. Such expectations are frequently implied in questions about procreation plans. Since the procreative experience was considered by the author as a process, it was possible to reconstruct changes in the meaning that the researched women ascribed to such questions at different stages of this experience, i.e. from the period prior to trying for a child, through the initial stage of trying to conceive, to the diagnostic stage until being given a diagnosis of infertility. At the stage prior to trying for a child, standing in front of the mirror of social expectations, the women saw themselves in the role of future mothers. At the initial stage of trying to conceive, seeing themselves in the mirror, the interviewed women saw themselves as pregnant women in near future. At the diagnostic stage until being given a diagnosis of infertility, the women saw only their uncertain future, i.e. themselves who wanted to have children very much, but were no longer certain whether they would become mothers.

scholarly journals Lived desistance: understanding how women experience giving up offending

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Abusive Relationships ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Violent Relationship ◽  
Experiences Of Women

This chapter extends the analysis of gender, in this instance exploring the lived experiences of women in a period of change. While women’s experiences are similar to men’s in many respects, the author’s discussions over a period of time with a sample of women attending a day centre, reveal some intriguing differences. She highlights the significance of living in long-term abusive relationships for confidence and self-perception. Additionally, she questions assumptions about desistance necessarily involving a ‘replacement identity’; aspects of self may be reworked and, on occasions, the process is more akin to finding a ‘lost’ self after ending a violent relationship or seeking drug use. For the women in this study, identities were often precarious, reflecting the early and fragile nature of their desistance. Being or becoming a caregiver – a more socially available role for women than for men – was often a key element in the women’s accounts of change.

scholarly journals When the mask comes off: Mothers’ experiences of parenting a daughter with autism spectrum condition

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1546-1556
Author(s):  
James Anderson ◽  
Charles Marley ◽  
Karri Gillespie-Smith ◽  
Leonie Carter ◽  
Ken MacMahon
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Spectrum Condition ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mothers Experiences

There is limited knowledge and research on the experiences of having a daughter with autism spectrum condition from a mother’s perspective. This study aims to explore the experiences of mothers who care for a daughter with autism spectrum condition, with a particular focus on female autism spectrum condition presentation. Ten mothers of daughters with autism spectrum condition took part in a semi-structured interview. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data. Five superordinate themes emerged: ‘Girls have autism too’, ‘She’s a chameleon’, ‘The impact of the diagnosis’, ‘Impact on mums’ and ‘Day-to-day life’. These findings add to our knowledge of how female autism spectrum condition presents and of the experiences directly related to being the mother of a daughter with autism spectrum condition. The findings have implications for clinicians that carry out autism spectrum condition assessments and provide insights into areas where additional support can be provided to mothers and daughters. Lay abstract Parents of children with autism spectrum condition report increased stress and difficulties compared with parents of typically developing children. Our knowledge and understanding of how autism spectrum condition presents in autistic females is currently limited and parents of this population may experience challenges when raising their daughter. Given that mothers are often the main caregiver of a child with autism spectrum condition, they may have useful insights into the experiences of parenting a daughter with autism spectrum condition. Therefore, a qualitative study was undertaken to explore what mothers’ experiences are of parenting a daughter with autism spectrum condition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of daughters with autism spectrum condition. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative study (‘Girls have autism too’, ‘She’s a chameleon’, ‘The impact of the diagnosis’, ‘Impact on mums’ and ‘Day-to-day life’). The findings of this study expand our current knowledge of the experiences and challenges faced by mothers raising a daughter with autism spectrum condition. Mothers hold a vast amount of knowledge on their daughters’ autism spectrum condition which could inform the diagnostic process and clinical practice. Considering these results, it is important that clinicians support mothers and the family system around children with an autism spectrum condition diagnosis.

The Impact of a Batterers' Program on Battered Women

1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
JULIET B. AUSTIN ◽  
JUERGEN DANKWORT
Keyword(s):  
Battered Women ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Shelter ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted with battered women whose partners had completed a batterers' intervention program (BIP) that was administered by a women's shelter in a Canadian urban setting. Interview questions broadly explored women's experiences with the BIP, including what, if any, differences they perceived after their partners completed intervention, and how the women accounted for such changes. Respondents reported a variety of experiences, most of which appeared beneficial for them. Major themes were (a) feelings of enhanced safety, (b) a sense of enhanced personal well-being, (c) feeling validated by program counselors, and (d) increased knowledge regarding abusive behaviors.

scholarly journals Using the humanoid robot Kaspar in a Greek school environment to support children with Autism Spectrum Condition

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 298-317
Author(s):  
Efstathia Karakosta ◽  
Kerstin Dautenhahn ◽  
Dag Sverre Syrdal ◽  
Luke Jai Wood ◽  
Ben Robins
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
Humanoid Robot ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Spectrum Condition ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractPrevious studies conducted with the humanoid robot Kaspar in the UK have yielded many encouraging results. This paper examines the influence of conducting play sessions with Kaspar on the social and communication skills of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and suggests possible ways for using the robot as a (therapeutic) tool in a Greek school for children with special needs. Over a period of 10 weeks 7 children took part in a total of 111 individual play sessions with the Kaspar robot. Each child participated in between 12 and 18 sessions with the robot. The results from this study indicate that the play sessions with Kaspar appear to have positively influenced the behaviours of some of the children in specific domains such as communication and interaction, prompted speech, unprompted imitation and focus/attention. Furthermore, the children’s teachers expressed positive views regarding the impact of the play sessions on the children and offered interesting suggestions about the ways in which the robot could potentially be used in everyday teaching tasks and were eager to obtain a Kaspar for their classroom activities.

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