A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Examination of the Lived Experience of Incarceration for those with Autism. (3rd August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Newman, Claire; Cashin, Andrew; Waters, Cheryl
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 36:Number 8(2015)
• Page Start: 632
• Page End: 640
• Publication Date: 2015-08-03
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2015.1014587
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

Abstract : This study aimed to examine the lived experience of incarceration for those with autism using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Eight adults who were incarcerated in New South Wales, Australia, were interviewed. The lived experience of incarceration for the participants was about being in an unpredictable environment characterised by ever-changing routines and complex social situations. Participants were deprived of their ability to create predictability in their environment, and experienced confusion and distress when forced to comply with actions that were in conflict with their logic. Mental health nursing case management is recommended to address the needs of incarcerated persons with autism.