medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Июль 24, 2024

Abstract Autism research rarely amplifies the voices of autistic children. Here, we aim to counter this by collating and sharing first-hand experiences insights A total 136 children (8-14 years age) self-reported their being via a semi-structured online questionnaire/video call. Both qualitative quantitative data was gathered, inductive thematic analysis used analyse responses. Four core themes were identified: ‘Safety Security’, ‘Conformity, Fitting in Masking’, ‘Identity’, ‘Sensory Sensitivity. The initial theme safety security permeated children’s narratives overwhelmingly, spoke need for them be alert who lives is safe person not. They also highly attuned whether specific places are them, as past appear have taught that everyday cannot assumed. Teachers, health social care professionals, neurotypical peers frequently singled out unsafe people school an place, whilst parents, home, often referred safe. This distinction evident statistical data, whereby significantly more likely report it okay at relative when they or with friends/peers. Judging closely linked persons’ understanding child experiences, important establishing trust. When trust established, appeared possible trusted facilitate sense even within otherwise places. belonging autistic/neurodivergent communities positively having positive identity, masking sensory distress feeling insecure. These accounts provide valuable into demand urgently explore how outside family home (including education) can transformed spaces

Язык: Английский