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Autism Paradigms and Mental Well-Being Among Autistic Adults: A Quantitative Exploration

Walker, Libbey
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5485-0500
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch167345078074958

Abstract Details

2023, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology.
Autistic populations experience significant mental health challenges. A growing body of research supports addressing autistic mental health problems using the framework of minority stress theory, the social model of disability, and the neurodiversity paradigm (e.g., Botha & Frost, 2018; Cage et al., 2018). This quantitative study explored how identification with the neurodiversity paradigm versus the pathology paradigm related to mental well-being in autistic adults. Participants (N = 135) completed an online survey in which they rated their identification with autism descriptions representing both paradigms. Participants also completed measures of psychological distress, self-esteem, personal autism acceptance, and internalized autism stigma. Most participants (81%) preferred the neurodiversity paradigm, while 6% preferred the pathology paradigm. Identification with the neurodiversity paradigm was correlated with higher autism acceptance and lower internalized stigma. Stronger identification with the pathology paradigm was correlated with higher internalized stigma and lower self-esteem. The results of this study suggest that autistic adults’ mental well-being might be improved by a multi-systemic shift to the neurodiversity paradigm. Clinical implications and future directions for research are discussed.
Theodore Ellenhorn, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Katherine Evarts, Psy.D. (Committee Member)
Gina Pasquale, Psy.D. (Committee Member)
66 p.
Clinical Psychology
Autism; mental well-being; neurodiversity; internalized stigma; critical autism studies

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Walker, L. (2023). Autism Paradigms and Mental Well-Being Among Autistic Adults: A Quantitative Exploration [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch167345078074958

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Walker, Libbey. Autism Paradigms and Mental Well-Being Among Autistic Adults: A Quantitative Exploration . 2023. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch167345078074958.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Walker, Libbey. "Autism Paradigms and Mental Well-Being Among Autistic Adults: A Quantitative Exploration ." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch167345078074958

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch167345078074958
275
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This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.