“We are different, that’s a fact, but they treat us like we’re different-er”: Understandings of autism and adolescent identity development

Purpose A key development in early adolescence is the active construction of individual identity; for autistic young people, integrating the idea of “being autistic” forms part of this process. The purpose of this paper is to explore identity development from a contextualist perspective, foregrounding young people’s experiences within mainstream educational settings. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal, qualitative methodology was used: semi-structured interviews were conducted annually with 14 autistic young people, their parents and teachers between school years 6 and 9. Findings Young people felt different from their neurotypical peers and their acceptance of their diagnosis changed over time as they managed their developing personal and public identities. In pursuit of being treated “normally,” many camouflaged their differences at school, which sometimes involved opting out of school-based support. Adults described their own understandings of autism and discussed the responses of others in the school environment to autistic differences. Originality/value The influence of sociocultural discourses of autism on young people’s identity development is discussed and implications for both school based and post-diagnostic support for young people and their families explored.

“Formation” in Formation Revisited

Identity and conscience formation and character development in adolescent boys depends upon acquiring human capital via inductive observation, imitation, and experience. Sociality and social interaction are the common denominators of male adolescent identity formation, conscience formation, and character development. Military schools create and sustain developmentally advantageous environments for adolescent boys, and military systems are remarkably effective at facilitating the ideal pairings of “best” educational principles with “best” educational practices and messages for adolescent boys. Military schools are thus exceptionally effective in the formation of the identity and conscience and development of character in adolescent boys because they provide young men with precisely the right types of atmospheres and experiences that are ideally suited to their learning styles. Military schools also enjoy significant educational advantages that allow for developmental agency, facilitate the development of “soft” skills, and help adolescent boys flourish.