In the study titled "I've Spent My Whole Life Striving to Be Normal: Internalized Stigma and Perceived Impact of Diagnosis in Autistic Adults," researchers explored how receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood affects self-understanding, well-being, and internalized stigma. The study involved 143 autistic adults who completed an online survey about their experiences.
The findings revealed that receiving an autism diagnosis generally improved self-understanding and well-being. However, many participants reported mild levels of internalized stigma, which refers to negative beliefs about autism that individuals may adopt from societal attitudes. The study found that better self-understanding was associated with lower internalized stigma and higher well-being. Positive experiences with diagnosing professionals also contributed to better self-understanding and well-being.
The study identified four themes from the qualitative data: Continuity and Acceptance, Late Diagnosis as Regret and Freedom, Coming to Terms with Being Autistic, and Stigma Resistance. These themes illustrate how autistic adults navigate their diagnosis, reflect on their age at diagnosis, and resist societal stigma.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of helping autistic adults understand their diagnosis in a positive way to reduce internalized stigma and improve their quality of life. It also emphasizes the role of professionals in providing support and education to newly diagnosed individuals.
Huang, Y., Trollor, J. N., Foley, K.-R., & Arnold, S. R. C. (2023). "I've Spent My Whole Life Striving to Be Normal": Internalized Stigma and Perceived Impact of Diagnosis in Autistic Adults. Autism in Adulthood, 5(4), 423-436.