Punshon, C and Skirrow, P and Murphy, G.H. (2009) The 'not guilty verdict': psychological reactions to a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome in adulthood. Autism , 13 (3). pp. 265-283.
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| Official URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361309103795 |
Abstract
Asperger syndrome is a relatively new diagnostic classification. A number of factors make receiving a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome in adulthood a unique experience. This study used a phenomenological approach to examine the experiences of 10 adults receiving such a diagnosis. Results suggested that six major themes were associated with receiving a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. Individuals discussed their negative life experiences and their experience of services prior to diagnosis, which led to individuals holding certain beliefs about the symptoms of Asperger syndrome. These beliefs had an effect on the formation of each individual's perceived self-identity. Participants made links between how they felt when they received the diagnosis and their current beliefs about both their 'symptoms' and themselves. Finally, participants highlighted the importance of the societal view of Asperger syndrome. The implications of these findings are reappraised in the context of previous research and the wider literature on identity formation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled keywords: | adults; Asperger syndrome; diagnosis experience; identity formation |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies |
| Divisions: | Faculties > Social Sciences > School of Social Policy Sociology and Social Research > Tizard |
| Depositing User: | Jo Ruffels |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Dec 2012 10:45 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Apr 2013 15:25 |
| Resource URI: | http://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/32251 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
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