'I don't think they understand the reality of autism': The lived experiences of autistic adults in Japan
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This study explores the lived experiences of autistic Japanese adults, revealing challenges with diagnosis and acceptance. Findings highlight a need for greater autism understanding and neurodiversity awareness in Japan.
Area Of Science
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Sociocultural Psychology
- Disability Studies
Background
- Autism research predominantly originates from Western contexts, limiting understanding of autistic individuals' experiences in diverse sociocultural settings.
- There is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the lived experiences of autistic adults in East Asian countries, including Japan.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the life experiences of autistic Japanese adults from childhood through to adulthood.
- To identify themes related to growing up autistic, diagnosis, and acceptance within the Japanese cultural context.
Main Methods
- Conducted semi-structured interviews with seven autistic Japanese adults diagnosed in their 20s and 30s.
- Employed reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes from the interview data.
Main Results
- Identified four core themes: feeling different/misunderstood, pathways to diagnosis, emotional responses to diagnosis, and the desire for acceptance.
- Participants reported significant life hardships, including family non-acceptance of their diagnosis and experiences of bullying.
- Findings align with Western research but reveal distinct challenges related to Japanese societal expectations and stigma.
Conclusions
- Autistic Japanese adults face unique challenges, including stigma and a lack of acceptance, impacting their mental health.
- There is a critical need for increased knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of autism in Japan, embracing neurodiversity.
- Future research and interventions should be co-developed with the autistic community in Japan to address specific needs.
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