On the spectrum and in the room: the role of identity and empowerment in autistic women’s recovery from psychological trauma
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Date
16/05/2023Author
Parfitt, Cloie
Metadata
Abstract
Autistic women are at an increased risk of experiencing trauma and mental health
issues compared with the general population. This is further compounded by significant
barriers to diagnosis and to accessing appropriate support for this group. By employing a
feminist approach, this study recognises the effects of socio-historical inequality on this
group, including identity dysfunction and disempowerment, which further exacerbate the
effects of trauma. This paper argues that restoring identity and supporting empowerment are
paramount to Autistic women’s recovery from trauma.
Previous research focusing specifically on Autistic women who have suffered trauma
is scarce. This research seeks to contribute to filling the gap in the knowledge of how
counsellors can best support this group. This research elevates the voices of Autistic women,
by working with a board consisting of Autistic women, and through conducting semistructured
interviews with six Autistic women ranging in age and in their prior experience of
counselling. The researcher, with two Autistic board members, thematically coded responses,
revealing that both social and psychological empowerment were key to Autistic women’s
recovery from psychological trauma. Recommendations are provided as to how therapists can
help facilitate empowerment for this population, including through the restoration of
autonomy and decision-making capacity within the therapy process, taking a flexible and
transparent approach, and by encouraging connection with the wider autism community
within which individuals can thrive and grow.