Mental Health Impacts of Social Experiences for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Mental Health Impacts of Social Experiences for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Issue Date
2022-06
Authors
Xu, Lesley
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Abstract
This paper is a critical analysis of the current available research to understand how social experiences impact mental health for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It includes five qualitative, four quantitative, and two mixed-methods studies in which the researchers discuss the interactions between social relationships and mental health from the firsthand perspectives of adults with ASD. There is a need to investigate how the core deficit in the social domain of autism inherently impacts mental health and to understand how to support these individuals with it. The qualitative results from this review identified the current themes connected to mental health and ASD: social difficulties, the use of camouflaging behaviours, and difficulties with identity. The results suggest more negative than positive impacts on mental health. The quantitative results further show that adults with ASD face many social challenges that are statistically significant and impact mental health. The findings of this paper reveal the impacts of ASD on the daily interactions and environments of adults. Last, the author provides information and makes recommendations for practical application within clinical settings and for future research.
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Keywords
ASD , autism , autism spectrum disorder , mental health , social experiences , social interactions , social difficulties , camouflaging , identity