Autism最新文献

{"title":"'Feeling constantly kicked down': A qualitative phenomenological study exploring rejection sensitivity in autistic adults.","authors":"Alvin van Asselt, Yvette Roke, Sander M Begeer, Anke M Scheeren","doi":"10.1177/13623613251376893","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251376893","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic individuals are at greater risk of social rejection than non-autistic peers. On social media, adults with autism report an extreme sensitivity to social rejection. This qualitative study explored lived experiences of heightened rejection sensitivity in this population. Purposive sampling through social media was used to recruit 19 autistic adults aged 21-71 (11 women, 8 men) who self-reported heightened rejection sensitivity. Face-to-face or online semi-structured interviews were held. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilized to analyse the data, and synthesized member checking was conducted to ensure data accuracy. Participants described their rejection sensitivity as profoundly overwhelming, exhausting emotions and thoughts when anticipating or perceiving rejection and criticism. These responses could be accompanied by physical tension, pain and reliving past rejections. Its intensity varied greatly depending on contextual factors (e.g. baseline mood and topic of rejection) and was frequently invalidated. Identified predisposing factors included inherent autistic traits and lifelong rejection experiences. Many strategies were employed to alleviate these challenges, including therapy, with varying success. The participants' lived experiences show that heightened rejection sensitivity can be a debilitating yet overlooked experience in autistic adults. Further quantitative research is needed to study its prevalence, predisposing factors, impact and potential interventions.Lay abstract<b>Understanding rejection sensitivity in autistic adults: An interview study to gather insights from lived experiences</b><b>Why was this study done?</b>Autistic individuals are more likely to face rejection and criticism than non-autistic individuals. How stressful these events are can depend on their rejection sensitivity. People with higher rejection sensitivity are more anxious about being rejected, are quicker to think that they are being rejected and have stronger reactions when rejection happens. Some autistic adults on social media describe their rejection sensitivity as extreme. This study aimed to better understand how these adults with autism experience their rejection sensitivity and how it affects their daily lives.<b>What did the researchers do?</b>We interviewed 19 adults with autism, aged 21 to 71, who experience high rejection sensitivity. These interviews were done either face-to-face or online. After analysing the interviews, we shared the findings with participants to check if they matched their experiences.<b>What did the researchers find?</b>Participants described their rejection sensitivity as overwhelming and exhausting. When they felt rejected or criticized, or feared this would happen in the future, they experienced strong emotional and physical reactions, such as overthinking, tension and pain. They could also re-experience memories of past rejection or criticism during these moments. The intensity of these respo","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"13623613251376893"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"There is nothing\"-Exploring diagnostic and service access for autistic individuals in Uruguay: A qualitative study.","authors":"Maria Cecilia Montenegro, Gabriela Garrido, Leyla Feize, Liza Talavera-Garza, Bianca T Villalobos, Cecilia Montiel-Nava","doi":"10.1177/13623613251345334","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251345334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Due to the higher autism research presence of higher-income countries, the known social and cultural experiences of families raising a child with autism are centered on their realities. This narrative overlooks the experiences of many families who do not fit this archetype, such as those residing in low- and middle-income countries, who are particularly challenged by the limited availability of trained professionals and barriers to accessing diagnosis and evidence-based treatments. That is the case in Latin American countries, such as Uruguay, where the present project transpires. By utilizing a Theory of Change framework, specifically developed to be used in low- and middle-income countries, the present study explores diagnostic and service barriers in Uruguay. The study included semi-structured interviews with caregivers of autistic individuals and key informants residing in Uruguay. Participants were selected using a purposive sample technique. Data analysis consisted of reflexive thematic analysis. Salient themes consisted of multiple barriers to diagnostic and service access due to a multistep process, limited awareness of autism characteristics, a hesitancy to provide a diagnosis, and few professionals who specialize in autism. For those residing outside the capital, additional difficulties were experienced.Lay AbstractCountries with higher monetary means to conduct research are able to have not only better knowledge of the realities of autistic individuals and their families but also better access to diagnostic and intervention services. In countries with lower income, there is limited understanding of autistic experiences and also issues with access to services due to multiple reasons, like services only being accessible in certain regions, few trained professionals, and long waitlists. This study seeks to understand possible diagnostic and service barriers experienced by autistic individuals residing in Uruguay. To understand the local realities, parents and specialists working with autistic individuals were interviewed, and the information gathered was analyzed by finding patterns that were used to form themes that included the shared experiences among participants. Some of the themes that were identified included reports of difficulties in accessing diagnosis and interventions, either because there were many steps needed to guarantee these services or because there was a limited awareness of autism spectrum disorder and its characteristics by providers, which resulted in a hesitation to diagnose. Also, participants described very few professionals who specialize in autism spectrum disorder. For those residing outside the capital, additional difficulties were experienced.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2562-2574"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417604/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144315848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risky business: How assumptions about evidence can exclude autistic voices.","authors":"Schea Fissel Brannick","doi":"10.1177/13623613251339006","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251339006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gestalt Language Development has been proposed as a theoretical foundation for neurodiversity-affirming intervention, yet its adoption remains controversial. Critics cite limited high-quality research as justification for rejecting its use, raising valid concerns about its scientific backing. However, such rejection rests on two assumptions that may lead to risky clinical decisions: (1) that research evidence should be the sole or primary driver of evidence-based practice and (2) that research-backed interventions are inherently neurodiversity-affirming. Using Gestalt Language Development as an example, this letter critiques these assumptions and illustrates how over-reliance on research alone-without integrating clinical expertise and autistic perspectives-can delay meaningful, inclusive care. I argue that centering autistic voices is essential to both neurodiversity-affirming practice and evidence-based decision-making. A more balanced model of evidence-based practice is needed-one that evaluates emerging interventions not only by their research base but also by their alignment with autistic values and their impact in clinical practice.Lay AbstractMany autistic individuals and clinicians find Gestalt Language Development to be a helpful approach for supporting autistic communication. However, some researchers argue that Gestalt Language Development should not be widely used until stronger research evidence is available. This argument introduces two risks. First, it assumes that research is the only kind of evidence that matters-overlooking the value of autistic lived experience and clinical expertise in making good intervention decisions. Second, it assumes that research-based interventions are automatically neurodiversity-affirming, even when they are developed without input from autistic people. This letter argues that excluding autistic voices from intervention decisions is risky. A more balanced approach to evidence-one that includes autistic perspectives, clinical expertise, and research-leads to inclusive, more responsive, and more effective support. While research on Gestalt Language Development is still growing, real-world experiences from autistic people and families offer valuable insight into what works and why it matters.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2632-2634"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143972747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From awareness to action: Facilitators and advocacy in healthcare by autistic adults.","authors":"Megan Best, RaeAnne Lindsay, Sarah Demissie, Isabelle Burakov, Saury Ramos-Torres, Meghan Burke","doi":"10.1177/13623613251343350","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251343350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic adults face various psychological and physical health conditions which often require ongoing medical attention. Despite a greater likelihood of health conditions, autistic adults face many systemic barriers in accessing healthcare services. It is important to identify facilitators to healthcare access and recognize the impact of self-advocacy on these experiences. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 15 autistic participants to understand their experienced and desired facilitators when accessing healthcare services, as well as the role of self-advocacy in accessing these services. Overall, participants agreed that formal and informal supports, provider knowledge about autism, and provider openness to providing accommodations served as facilitators. Participants also shared about their experiences related to self-advocacy and accessing healthcare services such as examples of self-advocacy in healthcare, learning to be a self-advocate, and facilitators of self-advocacy. Implications for research and practice are discussed.Lay abstractAutistic adults often have both mental and physical health needs that require ongoing care. However, they often face obstacles when trying to get healthcare. This study aimed to find out what helps autistic adults get the healthcare they need and how self-advocacy, or speaking up for themselves, plays a role. We talked to 15 autistic individuals about their experiences and what they wished for when accessing healthcare. Participants mentioned that support from others, doctors' knowledge about autism, and doctors being willing to make changes as needed per patient need were helpful. They also shared how self-advocacy impacted their healthcare experiences, including examples of how they advocated for themselves and what helped them do so. The study offers insights that could inform future research and healthcare practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2513-2523"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417605/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144148987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alexithymic and autistic traits differentially predict personality disorder dimensions.","authors":"Laura Albantakis, Leonie Weindel, Marie-Luise Brandi, Imme C Zillekens, Lara Henco, Hanna Thaler, Lena Schliephake, Leonhard Schilbach","doi":"10.1177/13623613251338650","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251338650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alexithymia and autism are variably characterized by social cognitive and perceptual deficits, which can lead to profound social interaction difficulties. Such difficulties are also the hallmark of personality disorders (PDs), but the potential link between alexithymia, autism, and PDs remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether autistic and/or alexithymic traits are associated with specific PD dimensions as measured by the Assessment of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (<i>DSM</i>-IV) Personality Disorders Questionnaire (ADP-IV). We included individuals with a formal autism diagnosis (AP, <i>n</i> = 89), individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis other than autism (NAP, <i>n</i> = 51), and neurotypical participants (NPs, <i>n</i> = 84). We applied linear regression analyses with autistic and alexithymic traits as predictors and PD dimensions as outcome variables, while controlling for age, depressive, and socially anxious symptoms. While autistic traits predicted the obsessive-compulsive PD dimension, alexithymic traits predicted the borderline PD dimension. Autistic and alexithymic traits were both significant predictors of the schizoid PD dimension. Taken together, our results point toward overlaps between autistic traits and specific PD dimensions that are well recognized as differential diagnoses of autism, while alexithymia was differentially linked to the borderline PD dimension.Lay abstractAutistic people have trouble identifying their own emotions and others' emotions. They also struggle to describe their emotions. People with alexithymia have similar difficulties. This can make it hard for autistic and alexithymic people to react appropriately to situations. Some may avoid places, while others may start overthinking. This can lead to patterns of behavior and thinking that limit us in our daily lives. If these patterns become a part of our personality, we may develop a personality disorder (PD). In our study, we looked at whether autistic and alexithymic people have certain PD dimensions. We included autistic participants, non-autistic participants with social-interactive difficulties, and non-autistic participants without social-interactive difficulties. We found that autistic features were linked to obsessive-compulsive PD dimension. Alexithymic features were linked to borderline PD dimension. Autistic and alexithymic features were linked to schizoid PD dimension. Our results point toward overlaps between autistic traits and PD dimensions that are well recognized as differential diagnoses of autism. The exception was borderline PD dimension, which was linked to alexithymic traits.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2463-2476"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417610/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing trajectories of sport participation for autistic- and non-autistic-youth: A group-based multi-trajectory modelling approach.","authors":"Martin O'Flaherty, Jessica Hill, Matthew Bourke, Sjaan Gomersall, Sean Tweedy, John Cairney","doi":"10.1177/13623613251345345","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251345345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic children are less likely to participate in sport than non-autistic children, but we know little about how patterns of participation in team and individual sport change across childhood. Drawing on a nationally representative cohort of Australian children, this study analysed trajectories of participation in team and individual sport between the ages of 8 and 15 using a group-based multiple trajectory modelling approach. A five-group solution was found to be the best fit to the data, identifying distinct patterns of sport participation over time. In comparison with non-autistic children, autistic children were more likely to belong to the 'sport avoider' group with low participation in both team and individual sport at all ages. Conversely, autistic children were less likely to be classified in the 'team sportsperson', 'ex-team sportsperson' or 'mixed sportsperson' groups. No difference in the likelihood of belonging to the 'individual sportsperson' group was found. Risk factors for trajectory group membership were similar for autistic and non-autistic children. Our findings indicate that autistic children are particularly likely to experience exclusion from team sport environments, and this exclusion persists over time. Similar rates of participation in individual sport for autistic and non-autistic children indicate that these environments may be more supportive for autistic children.Lay abstractAutistic children are less likely to participate in sport than non-autistic children, but we know little about how patterns of participation in team and individual sport change across childhood. Drawing on data for a group of Australian children whose families were reinterviewed between ages 8 and 15, the present study patterns of participation in team and individual sport over time. Findings from the analysis suggested that children could be grouped into five patterns of participation in team and individual sport between the ages of 8 and 15. In comparison with non-autistic children, autistic children were more likely to belong to the 'sport avoider' group with low participation in both team and individual sport at all ages. Conversely, autistic children were less likely to belong to the 'team sportsperson', 'ex-team sportsperson' or 'mixed sportsperson' groups. Similar numbers of autistic and non-autistic children belonged to the 'individual sportsperson' group. Factors linked to patterns of participation over time were similar for autistic and non-autistic children. Our findings indicate that autistic children are particularly likely to experience exclusion from team sport environments, and this exclusion persists over time. Similar rates of participation in individual sport for autistic and non-autistic children indicate that these environments may be more supportive for autistic children.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2575-2587"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417603/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144274127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A randomized controlled trial into the effectiveness of a mobile health application (SAM) to reduce stress and improve well-being in autistic adults.","authors":"Kirsten L Spaargaren, Yvette Roke, Sander M Begeer, Annemieke van Straten, Heleen Riper, Kirstin Greaves-Lord, Anke M Scheeren","doi":"10.1177/13623613251346885","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251346885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autistic adults experience more daily stress compared to non-autistic adults. However, stress recognition is often delayed, potentially leading to chronic stress and significant (mental) health risks. We evaluated the effectiveness of Stress Autism Mate (SAM), a stress-monitoring mobile health application co-created with autistic individuals. We ran a two-arm, parallel, superiority randomized controlled trial. Autistic adults (<i>n</i> = 214) (mean age: 50.5 years; 66.4% female) were randomized to 1-month SAM usage or waitlist control. Participants self-reported on primary (Perceived Stress Scale; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), and secondary outcomes (Coping Self-Efficacy Scale) at baseline and 4 weeks later, after which the control group could start using the app. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the intervention group had significantly lower perceived stress (<i>d</i> = 0.27), greater mental well-being (<i>d</i> = 0.35), and improved coping self-efficacy (<i>d</i> = 0.16) compared to the control group after 1 month. No intervention effect moderators could be identified. More frequent app usage was significantly associated with a stronger decrease in perceived stress (<i>r</i> = -0.293). However, 42.9% of app users indicated increased stress from app use, warranting further investigation. Our results suggest that SAM may be effective in reducing perceived stress and improving mental well-being for some autistic individuals. Further refinement and investigation are recommended.Lay abstractAutistic adults often experience more daily stress than non-autistic individuals, but they may not always recognize this stress timely, which can lead to long-term health problems. To help address this, we tested an app called Stress Autism Mate (SAM), which was designed together with autistic individuals to help autistic adults monitor and manage their stress. In our study, 214 autistic adults (average age: 50.5 years; 66.4% female) were randomly assigned to either use the app for 1 month or wait before using it. We asked participants to complete surveys before and after the 1-month period to measure changes in their stress levels, mental well-being, and confidence in coping. Results showed that participants who used the app reported lower stress, improved mental well-being, and better coping skills compared to those who did not use the app. We also found that the more often someone used the app, the more their stress levels decreased. However, 42.9% of users felt more stressed using the app, which needs further study. Overall, our findings suggest that SAM can help reduce stress and improve well-being for some autistic adults, but more work is needed to improve the app and better understand its effects.<i>Trial registry</i> ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN17394910.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2588-2603"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417602/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144493837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pilot rural-urban comparison of health care experiences among autistic adolescents and young adults.","authors":"E Zhang, Wafaa Alduraidi, Makenna Snyder, Ezra Kaiser, Spencer Hunley, Ann Davis, Eve-Lynn Nelson, Nancy Cheak-Zamora","doi":"10.1177/13623613251337506","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251337506","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Autistic adolescents and young adults face barriers to accessing health care, particularly during the pediatric-to-adult care transition. This study compared health care access, utilization, and provider interactions between rural and urban autistic adolescents and young adults. Autistic adolescents and young adults (&lt;i&gt;N&lt;/i&gt; = 180) aged 14-25 were recruited through autism registries and community agencies across multiple US states from October 2022 to June 2023. They completed the Health Care Transition Experience Survey, a 51-item questionnaire evaluating health care experiences. Rural-urban differences were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Rural autistic adolescents and young adults (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 84) relied more on a single health care location, while urban autistic adolescents and young adults (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 96) more often used multiple providers (72.6% vs 56.3%, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.046). Rural autistic adolescents and young adults reported greater challenges with providers lacking autism-specific knowledge (40.5% vs 24.0%, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.017) and limited nearby providers (57.1% vs 26.0%, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). They also encountered more issues with dental insurance acceptance (46.4% vs 12.5%, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.015), while urban autistic adolescents and young adults more often lacked dental insurance (33.3% vs 3.6%, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.008). Significant rural-urban disparities were found in health care experiences, particularly provider availability and autism expertise in rural areas. Targeted interventions addressing rural health care barriers and enhanced provider training in autism care are needed.Lay abstractHealth care can be especially challenging for young autistic people, particularly when they move from child to adult health care. Our pilot study looked at whether the health care experiences are similar or different for autistic young people living in rural areas versus urban areas. We surveyed 180 autistic people aged 14-25 years about their health care experiences, including 96 from urban areas and 84 from rural areas. The survey asked about their experiences in finding providers, getting appointments, working with providers, and how well their providers understood autism. The results showed that rural young autistic people face some unique challenges. They often had to travel farther to find providers. They were more likely to work with one provider and report that their providers did not understand autism well compared to urban young autistic people, who often could choose between different providers. Interestingly, both rural and urban participants felt similarly about how well they could talk with their providers once they started working with them. Dental care stood out as particularly challenging among different health care services-rural participants had trouble finding dentists who accepted their insurance, while urban participants were more likely to have no dental insurance at all. These findings highlight important area","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2425-2437"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12353070/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143960204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Autistic young adults' experiences in physical activity: A phenomenological study.","authors":"Ashlyn Barry, Justin A Haegele, Kristen A Pickett, Daniel Schaefer, Luis Columna","doi":"10.1177/13623613251338377","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251338377","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Young adulthood is a key period for establishing lifelong physical activity (PA) habits, yet little is known about how autistic young adults experience PA. The purpose of this study was to explore how autistic young adults make sense of their PA experiences and the meanings they ascribe to those experiences. Thirteen autistic young adults (ages 22-25) participated in semi-structured interviews about their PA experiences. A phenomenological qualitative approach with an interpretivist paradigm guided this study. Participants described how their PA experiences evolved over time. In childhood, many engaged in team sports, often encouraged by their parents. As they transitioned to adulthood, they shifted toward more independent activities (e.g. running, yoga). Social support from friends and teammates was a strong motivator, while personal achievements (e.g. reaching fitness goals) helped to build a sense of pride. Many participants emphasized the mental and emotional benefits of PA, including increased confidence, reduced stress, and a greater sense of control. These findings described how autistic young adults engaged in PA as they moved into adulthood and pointed to important factors to consider when creating supportive PA opportunities for this population.Lay AbstractMany autistic young adults face challenges in staying physically active as they grow older. This study explores how they experience physical activity (PA), what it means to them, and how their participation changes over time. We talked to 13 autistic young adults (ages 22-25) about their PA experiences from childhood to adulthood. We used a qualitative approach to identify key themes in their stories. Participants shared how their experiences with PA changed over time. As children, many played team sports, often because their parents encouraged them to join. As they got older, they preferred activities they could do on their own, like running or yoga. Friends and teammates helped motivate them to stay active, while setting and reaching personal fitness goals gave them a sense of pride. Many also said that PA helped them feel better emotionally, giving them more confidence, reducing stress, and making them feel more in control of their lives. These findings show how PA can positively impact autistic young adults and provide information into how to create better PA opportunities for them. Encouraging independence, building motivation, and promoting social connections can help support their participation in PA.</p>","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2412-2424"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Camouflaging in autism: A cause or a consequence of mental health difficulties?","authors":"Wikke J van der Putten, Audrey Jj Mol, Tulsi A Radhoe, Carolien Torenvliet, Joost A Agelink van Rentergem, Annabeth P Groenman, Hilde M Geurts","doi":"10.1177/13623613251347104","DOIUrl":"10.1177/13623613251347104","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Camouflaging ([un]consciously hiding one's autism traits) is hypothesized to be an underlying mechanism explaining elevated levels of mental health difficulties in autistic adults. As previous studies investigating this relationship were all cross-sectional, the direction of this association remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether (1) camouflaging predicts a change in mental health difficulties and (2) mental health difficulties predict a change in camouflaging. For this, 332 autistic adults aged 30 to 84 years (157 women) filled in the Dutch Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, and Autism Spectrum Quotient at two timepoints with an average time interval of 2 years. Preregistered multilevel analyses showed a negative interaction between initial camouflaging and time, indicating that people with higher initial levels of camouflaging showed a decrease in mental health difficulties, while for lower initial levels of camouflaging there was an increase. However, this effect was small. Initial mental health difficulties did not predict changes in camouflaging behavior, but findings were inconsistent across total camouflaging and assimilation. Thus, we did not find strong evidence for camouflaging to be associated with development of mental health difficulties. However, future research is needed before we can draw strong conclusions about directionality and causality.Plain Language SummaryWhen autistic people use strategies to hide their autism traits, we refer to this as camouflaging. It has been thought that camouflaging could be a reason why autistic people develop mental health difficulties more often than non-autistic people. Research has shown that, in general, people who report more camouflaging behavior also report more mental health difficulties. However, we do not know whether camouflaging can be a reason for people to develop mental health difficulties or whether mental health difficulties may explain why autistic people use camouflaging strategies. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether (1) camouflaging is a predictor for a change in mental health difficulties and (2) mental health difficulties are a predictor for a change in camouflaging. For this study, 332 autistic adults aged 30 to 84 years (157 women) filled in questionnaires about camouflaging, mental health difficulties, and autism traits at two moments with an average of 2 years between measurements. We found that people with a higher level of initial camouflaging showed a decrease in mental health difficulties, while for people with lower levels of initial camouflaging behavior there was an increase in mental health difficulties. However, this effect was small. Initial mental health difficulties did not seem to predict a change in camouflaging behavior. Thus, we did not find evidence that camouflaging was followed by an increase in mental health difficulties. Therefore, future research is needed before we can draw stro","PeriodicalId":8724,"journal":{"name":"Autism","volume":" ","pages":"2604-2617"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12417600/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}