Autistic identity: A systematic review of quantitative research

Added on 29/08/2024

Type de contenu

Journal article of the type Scientific literature review ( ; english)

Jade Davies , Kate Cooper , Estelle Killick , Evelyn Sam , Molly Healy , Grace Thompson * , Will Mandy , Benjamin Redmayne , Laura Crane
Autistic identity: A systematic review of quantitative research published in the journal "Autism research" n°5, vol.17, 24 pages , doi: 10.1002/aur.3105

*One co-author has publicly identified as autistic. [Learn more about this mention]

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Summary/Presentation

Autism can be considered both a personal and social identity. Identifying the factors contributing to positive Autistic identity development is crucial given the potential implications for mental health and wellbeing. In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesize quantitative literature on Autistic identity to identify the (individual and environmental) factors associated with Autistic identity, and to ascertain the relationship between Autistic identity and mental health and wellbeing. A total of 3,617 studies were screened and 20 met our inclusion criteria. Results indicated that people developed a more positive Autistic identity when receiving external autism acceptance and external support. The association between individual factors and Autistic identity were largely nonsignificant or inconclusive, highlighting the need for broad support that meets the needs of a range of Autistic people, rather than specific subgroups. Importantly, positive Autistic identity was associated with improved mental health and wellbeing. Peer support and/or self‐directed support resources may be valuable mechanisms for supporting Autistic people to cultivate a positive Autistic identity. The evaluation of such support, including the long‐term impacts on identity development, will be a critical avenue for future research.

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(3) Authors whose names are followed by an asterisk have publicly disclosed being autistic.

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