Learning About the Lived Experiences of Women with Autism from an Online Community. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haney, Jolynn L.; Cullen, Jennifer A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work in disability & rehabilitation. Volume 16:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Autism -- belonging -- cultural identity -- disability -- online communities -- qualitative research -- social work -- women; Social work with people with disabilities -- Periodicals; Sociology of disability -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Legal status, laws, etc -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.405
• DOI: 10.1080/1536710X.2017.1260518
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1536-710X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The experience of being an adult female with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been understudied in social work literature. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of females with ASD, from their perspective, by examining content from an online autism community Web site. Using a phenomenological approach, data analysis on content obtained from the forum revealed several themes about the women's experiences concerning the diagnostic process, managing and understanding symptoms, and the impact of ASD on their personal and work relationships. Implications for social work practice, including creating more effective services for females with ASD, are discussed.