scholarly journals Questioning Normativity: Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Adults Who Have Undergone Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Garcia Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Behaviour Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Analysis ◽  
Applied Behaviour Analysis ◽  
Narrative Methodology ◽  
Autistic Adults

In this research project I use a narrative methodology to explore the experiences of four autistic adults who have undergone applied behaviour analysis. By drawing upon the work of the neurodiversity movement and implementing a critical disability theoretical framework, I have sought to present the experiences and perspectives of participants as well as provide an analysis of the role of ableism in the systems in which they participated. Through positioning the lived experiences of this study’s participants as a credible and trustworthy source of knowledge, I have called into question the ethicality of applied behaviour analysis techniques and implementation by problematizing the way in which it positions autistic traits as deviant and limits the self-determination and autonomy of its subjects. I have subsequently provided recommendations and points for reflection to the field that may serve to decrease the harms described by the participants of this study.

scholarly journals Questioning Normativity: Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Adults Who Have Undergone Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Garcia Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Behaviour Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Analysis ◽  
Applied Behaviour Analysis ◽  
Narrative Methodology ◽  
Autistic Adults

In this research project I use a narrative methodology to explore the experiences of four autistic adults who have undergone applied behaviour analysis. By drawing upon the work of the neurodiversity movement and implementing a critical disability theoretical framework, I have sought to present the experiences and perspectives of participants as well as provide an analysis of the role of ableism in the systems in which they participated. Through positioning the lived experiences of this study’s participants as a credible and trustworthy source of knowledge, I have called into question the ethicality of applied behaviour analysis techniques and implementation by problematizing the way in which it positions autistic traits as deviant and limits the self-determination and autonomy of its subjects. I have subsequently provided recommendations and points for reflection to the field that may serve to decrease the harms described by the participants of this study.

scholarly journals Sensory Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty Influence Anxiety in Autistic Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karys M. Normansell-Mossa ◽  
D. Nicholas Top ◽  
Nicholas Russell ◽  
Mark Freeston ◽  
Jacqui Rodgers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sensory Sensitivity ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Model ◽  
Path Analyses ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Autistic Adults

Several models of anxiety in autistic adults have focused on the role of intolerance of uncertainty which has biological and evolutionary bases, as a cognitive explanation for the high prevalence of anxiety in autism. This framework suggests that all people are born with a healthy level of intolerance of uncertainty, and as we develop, this intolerance is lessened as we learn when situations are safe and begin to understand and manage the uncertainty. This process of learning about managing uncertainty does not happen in the same way in those who are high in autistic traits, which could be the reason for the high levels of anxiety symptoms commonly seen in this population. We examined archival data of 199 non-autistic and 55 autistic adults from prior studies in which we collected self-report measures of autistic traits, intolerance of uncertainty, sensory processing, and anxiety. We conducted two path analyses to examine the role of intolerance of uncertainty in anxiety in autistic adults. The first model tested the idea that intolerance of uncertainty, an evolutionary phenomenon common for all people, could explain some of the cognitive aspects of anxiety in autism. The second model suggests that primary neurodevelopmental differences associated with autistic traits underlie the sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking behaviors, which in turn increase intolerance of uncertainty and subsequent anxiety. We found that the “neurodevelopmental” model had better model fit than the “evolutionary stress” model, suggesting that the neurodevelopmental impact of higher levels of autistic traits could moderate a non-autistic trajectory of learning to manage uncertainty as children develop and understand that uncertainty is common and acceptable.

Camouflaging in non-autistic adults is associated with poorer mental health

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Somerville ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson ◽  
Sue Fletcher-Watson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Relationship

Camouflaging is a frequently reported behaviour in autistic people, which entails the use of strategies to compensate for and mask autistic traits in social situations. Camouflaging is associated with poor mental health in autistic people. This study examined the manifestation of camouflaging in a non-autistic sample, examining the relationship between autistic traits, camouflaging, and mental health. In addition, the role of executive functions as a mechanism underpinning camouflaging was explored. Sixty-three non-autistic adults completed standardised self-report questionnaires which measured: autistic traits, mental health symptoms, and camouflaging behaviours. In addition, a subset (n=51) completed three tests of executive function measuring inhibition, working memory, and set-shifting. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyse data. Results indicated that autistic traits are not associated with mental health symptoms when controlling for camouflaging, and camouflaging predicted increased mental health symptoms. Camouflaging did not correlate with any measure of executive function. These findings have implications for understanding the relationship between autistic traits and mental health in non-autistic people and add to the growing development of theory and knowledge about the mechanism and effects of camouflaging.

Psychological empowerment as an antecedent of workplace learning: A study in the context of SMEs in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Tanveer Hussain Shah ◽  
Syed Mohsin Ali Shah ◽  
Junaid Athar Khan
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Empowerment ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Formal Learning ◽  
Important Form

A very important aspect of HRD research is Workplace Learning (WPL). WPL is very important considering its role in the development of skills and abilities of employees. Since employees are a crucial asset for organizations to achieve competitive advantage. Therefore, organizations must ensure continuous learning of their employees. This research was aimed at the investigation of the antecedent role of Psychological Empowerment (PE) for WPL. Using a quantitative approach, primary data was collected from 241 employees of 153 SMEs in Pakistan. Data was analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) by using PLS-SEM. The results of the study indicated that PE did play the role of an antecedent of WPL. Furthermore, Informal learning appeared as the most important form of WPL, followed by incidental and formal learning in SMEs in Pakistan. Keywords: Psychological empowerment; self-efficacy; workplace learning; self-determination; PLS-SEM.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document