Date of Award

12-1-2023

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School/Department

Department of Psychology

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Kristin V Christodulu

Committee Members

Melissa L Rinaldi

Keywords

Adolescence, Autism, Camouflaging, Identity, Stigmatization

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Adolescence is a vulnerable developmental period for autistic female and gender diverse youth. Many autistic youths use camouflaging to combat social challenges, perceived differences, and stigmatization. Although adolescence is an integral time for identity development, integration of these topics remains understudied among autistic female and gender diverse youth. The present study seeks to qualitatively explore first-person, youth-perspectives on the topics of camouflaging and identity formation. Ten autistic female and gender diverse youth aged 11 to 16 years (M = 13.1, SD = 1.52) and their caregivers were enrolled in the present study. Youths completed semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data was qualitatively analyzed and produced several prominent themes related to the following domains of investigation: (1) the nuts and bolts of camouflaging, (2) the aftermath of camouflaging, and (3) the role of autism. Emergent themes and subthemes are discussed in detail. Results demonstrated that autistic female and gender diverse youth employ complex camouflaging strategies, motivated and reinforced by their societal experiences, that have damaging consequences for their self-understanding and well-being. Youths’ relationship with and experience of camouflaging is dynamic, and camouflaging appears to be an adaptive social coping mechanism for autistic youth, closely integrated with youths’ self-identity. Significantly, youths’ camouflaging motivations and general discourse related to autism were highly influenced by pervasive societal perceptions and stereotypes. These findings reinforce the far-reaching and harmful implications of camouflaging on youths’ positive identity development as well as their mental health and well-being. Implications and future directions are discussed.

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