Diagnosis as a New Beginning Not An End: A Participatory Photovoice Study on Navigating an Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood
Cage, Botha, McDevitt, King, Biscoe, Tucker and Pearson (2024)
Although Autistic people diagnosed in adulthood suggest it is a life-changing experience, there are issues with accessing a diagnosis. This qualitative participatory study addresses a gap in the literature. The authors explore the experiences of navigating an adult Autism diagnosis in the UK. Six women aged between 21-46 took part in the study. There were four sessions with the researchers to develop and undertake the study. Data was analysed through reflexive thematic analysis, and four key themes were found. The themes were: everything shatters; being seen; understanding not judgement, please and here’s a leaflet, off you go. The themes detailed a desire for change and improvement in diagnosis processes and the development of an Autistic identity. Together with the participants the researchers outlined actions for improving adult diagnosis, such as involving Autistic people in the improvement of the diagnostic criteria, a greater acknowledgement of the Autistic community and voice by professionals and a greater acceptance of wider intersectionality and neurodivergence.
