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Exploring the experience of autism through firsthand accounts
1Department of Special Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|September 1, 1991
Summary
This study explores the lived experiences of verbal individuals with autism, highlighting sensory processing, detailed memory, and the ability to manage stereotypical behaviors through social awareness. Understanding these unique perspectives offers insights into autism.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts social communication and behavior.
- High-functioning autism presents unique challenges and experiences.
- Firsthand accounts are crucial for understanding subjective realities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perceptions, mental processes, and lived experiences of verbal, high-functioning individuals with autism.
- To identify salient themes in the daily lives of individuals with ASD.
- To provide an in-depth qualitative understanding of autism.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research design.
- Participant observation.
- Formal and informal interviews.
- Analysis of personal documents (poems, artwork, essays).
Main Results:
- Identified five key themes: sensory processing, memory, stereotypical behaviors, social interaction, and empathy.
- Both participants exhibited multichannel sensory processing and detailed memory recall.
- Stereotypical behaviors were voluntarily controlled through awareness of social reactions.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with autism can develop self-awareness and control over certain behaviors.
- Sensory processing and memory are significant aspects of the autistic experience.
- Qualitative data provides valuable insights into the subjective experience of autism.