Realizing the problem wasn’t necessarily me”: An interpretative
phenomenological analysis of the meaning of childhood adversity and
resilience in the lives of autistic adults
Abstract
Interview Data
There is ample evidence that childhood adversity correlates negatively
with physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Resilience
results when internal and external protective factors in childhood
mitigate the effects of adversity and mental and physical health
outcomes are improved. However, the phenomena of childhood adversity and
resilience among autistic children are understudied and not well
understood. In this study, we engaged members of the autism community to
advise on the research question, research design, and analysis.
Following the engagement phase, three autistic young women and one
nonbinary young adult, aged 19-27, participated in semi-structured
interviews via phone, video conference, and online chat;. credibility
checking interviews followed data analysis. Through interpretative
phenomenological analysis we identified themes related to negative
effects of adversity, including social disconnection,
mental and emotional well-being, sense of self, and
development into young adulthood. Resilience was developed in
places of refuge and identity, and was evident in their
transitions into young adulthood. These findings provide
direction for fostering resilience in children and adolescents on the
autism spectrum and planning and implementing mental health supports to
autistic individuals across the lifespan.