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. 2023 Jan;53(1):424-437.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05441-1. Epub 2022 Jan 25.

Beyond Friendship: The Spectrum of Social Participation of Autistic Adults

Dara V Chan  1   2 , Julie D Doran  3 , Osly D Galobardi  3   4
Affiliations

Beyond Friendship: The Spectrum of Social Participation of Autistic Adults

Dara V Chan et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Difficulties with social interactions and communication that characterize autism persist in adulthood. While social participation in adulthood is often marked by social isolation and limited close friendships, this qualitative study describes the range of social participation activities and community contacts, from acquaintances to close relationships, that contributed to connection from the perspective of 40 autistic adults. Qualitative data from interviews around social and community involvement were analyzed and revealed five main contexts where social participation occurred: vocational contexts, neighborhoods, common interest groups, support services and inclusive environments, and online networks and apps. Implications for practice to support a range of social participation include engaging in newer social networking avenues, as well as traditional paths through employment and support services.

Keywords: Adulthood; Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Connection; Employment; Social networking; Social participation.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
An example slide from the personalized mapping profiles developed for participants
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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