Understanding Autistic Adults’ Relational and Vocational Experiences

Researchers have begun to recognise the importance of asking autistic people about their first-hand experiences to enable understanding and person-centred intervention for difficulties faced by the population. Autistic people experience high levels of discrimination and disadvantage. As such, autistic people experience inequalities within multiple areas, including social marginalisation (e.g., interpersonal victimisation) and employment difficulties (e.g., higher prevalence of un/underemployment). This thesis allows for an in- depth exploration of lived experiences. Qualitative Evidence Synthesis: A literature review was conducted to identify and evaluate qualitative literature about autistic adults’ experiences of interpersonal victimisation. Four databases were searched, and eight studies met criteria for the review. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse the data which revealed three superordinate themes. Results illustrated that autistic people feel they are the problem and being autistic gives perpetrators an excuse to victimise. Themes also revealed the consequences of victimisation, and hopefulness for a future where autistic people develop healthy relationships and keep themselves safe. Results highlight the importance of a societal attitudinal shift around difference, alongside the need for better formal education (e.g., sex education) for autistic people to feel more aware and equipped to manage potential risks within relationships. Empirical Project: A research study was conducted to investigate autistic adults’ experiences of unemployment and underemployment. Eight autistic adults undertook semi-structured interviews with a researcher, which were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four themes were generated. Participants felt paralysed by previous traumatic workplace experiences and employment processes. They felt misunderstood, judged, and powerless within systems surrounding employment, which impacted their mental health and ability to progress with their aspirations. Most participants were discovered autistic in adulthood which enabled increased self-understanding, awareness of employment needs, and the importance of managing their well-being. Autism related anti-stigma interventions within the workplace are required to reduce the stigmatising attitudes of non-autistic colleagues and employers, alongside a commitment to inclusivity and diversity from employers. Finally, it is important for clinicians working with autistic adults to be aware of employment inadequacies and the impact on their mental health, opening up conversations about employment challenges and possible accumulated trauma, to support them to make sense of these experiences through a lens of self-compassion. This may support the shift from feeling stuck to moving forward with their career aspirations.