Abstract:
An increasing body of research literature indicates that adults on the autism spectrum continue to experience difficulties with communication, social interaction, and social inclusion throughout their lifetimes. The question of what support is needed for Autistic adults is recognised to be an important area of concern, but to date, has been relatively neglected. This study set out to explore the benefits of peer support for Autistic adults from their perspective. The secondary aim, was to consider how this knowledge might inform the way we develop supports and services for current and future generations. Four adults who self-identified as Autistic, participated in semi-structured interviews, and answered questions about their experiences of peer support. Data was analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach, which places emphasis on the meaning participants attribute to life experiences, and is presented in the form of a reflective engagement with the researcher. Results yielded a number of themes across participants, clustered around the following topics: connection, communication, community, mental health, environments, and self-growth. All participants saw participation in Autistic peer support as being of benefit to themselves and an opportunity to help and educate others. Peer support was conceptualised as a place of safety, transformation and self-growth. Participant descriptions were at variance with a medical model of autism but aligned with theories of autism as asocial and cultural construct. Participants spoke of claiming Autistic self-identity and identified with Autistic culture. Implications for practice include the importance of (1) recognising the value of expertise from experience; (2) including the perspectives of Autistic people in research and practice; (3) considering autism in the context of cultural competency; and (4) ensuring professionals working with, and alongside, people in the Autistic community are as well informed about autism as those they seek to help. A number of novel and unexpected research outcomes are also discussed.
