Women's experiences of being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in adulthood : a qualitative study

Section 1: Literature Review The qualitative literature from 2000 -2009 (inclusive) exploring the parental experience of having a child with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) is reviewed adopting a meta-synthesis methodology. Nine central themes were identified: life before diagnosis; receipt of a diagnosis; search for meaning; support / services; stigma; effects on the family; effects on the parents; coping mechanisms; and cross-cultural differences. The quality of the literature was found to be mixed. Some studies were thorough and robust, whilst the methodology of others was not made explicit enough to allow replication. More research is needed to fully understand the experience of parenting a child with an ASC, in particular, research with fathers is needed in order to ascertain any gender differences in parental experience. The clinical implications arising from the themes are discussed. Section 2: Research Report Women's experience of being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS) in adulthood is explored. Eight women were interviewed and the data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two central themes were found: 'Providing an Explanation for a Life of Difference' (including the journey to diagnosis, a better explanation of self, and the consequences of receiving a diagnosis late in life), and'The Importance of Being Understood in the Context of AS' (including getting the right support, meeting others with AS, the importance of being accepted and understood by others, self understanding, not being typical, disclosure on a need to know basis, and disclosure). The clinical implications of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo