Uncertain Futures
Reporting the Experiences and Worries of Autistic Adults and Possible Implications for Social Work Practice
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10896185 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jacqui Rodgers (0000-0002-5231-623X, Newcastle University, corresponding author), Renske Herrema (Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust), D GARLAND (National Autistic Society, Newcastle, UK), Daniel J Garland (The National Autistic Society), M Osborne (The Kayaks Support Group, Newcastle, UK), MOLLY L OSBORNE, R Cooper (0000-0003-1260-5464, Northumbria University), Rachel F D Cooper (0000-0003-1503-1304, Northumbria University), Philip Heslop (0000-0002-7478-5141, Northumbria University), Mark H Freeston (0000-0002-8107-1219, Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust), M Freeston (Newcastle University) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Publication date | 2018-12-24 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The British Journal of Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0045-3102 • E-ISSN: 1468-263X |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/bjsw/bcy117 |
| OpenAlex | W2906594348 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 5 |
| References cited | 34 |
Little research has focused on autism in adulthood. Little is known about the concerns autistic adults may have, particularly about their futures, to inform support and social work practice. The objective of this study was to explore the nature of the worries autistic adults have about their futures. Four focus groups were conducted with autistic adults (n = 23), where worries about the next five years and next twenty years were discussed. Participants also discussed what might be helpful and unhelpful to support them in preparing for the future. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The overarching theme emerging from the study concerned worries relating to uncertainty about what the future may hold. The main elements of this were worries relating to support needs, the impact of an autism diagnosis and knowledge of autism from others. Subordinate themes included worries about relationships with others, living circumstances and health. These data demonstrate that current support is perceived as insufficient. The implications for social work practice include autism awareness and focused practice-based support for autistic adults. The lack of autism-specific knowledge amongst professionals and the general public was identified by research participants as a barrier in terms of accessing employment and health care.
Autism · Conversation · Developmental psychology · Futures contract · Qualitative research · Social science · Social support · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Applied Psychology · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Clinical Psychology · Family and Disability Support Research · Healthcare innovation and challenges · Psychology · Social Psychology
What should autism research focus upon? Community views and priorities from the United Kingdom
Adult outcome for children with autism
When to Use Focus Groups and Why
Focus Groups as Qualitative Research
Autism grows up
Redefining Critical Autism Studies
Personalization
Personalisation in disability services and healthcare
A new vision for adult social care? Continuities and change in the care of older people
Social Workers' Understanding of Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Increasing User Choice or Privatizing Risk? The Antinomies of Personalization
Beyond Homo Economicus
Using thematic analysis in psychology
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2021 - 2026 (6) |
| Highly cited | No |