Neuro-Unity Dissertation Defense
Channel: Jon Dorfman
Date: 2023-04-09

The purpose of this realist synthesis study is threefold, (a) to examine the relationship between young autistic adults between 18 and 30 years of age and their clinical providers (e.g., doctors, therapists, educators, caregivers, etc.), (b) to understand what conditions contribute to trusting and inclusive relationships between young autistic adults and their clinical providers, and how more trusting and inclusive relationships can be maintained, and (c) to develop a new conceptual framework to address what was believed to be conflicting ideologies between proponents of the Neurodiversity movement and their clinical providers—what the researcher calls Neuro-Unity. Using a systematic search and review process, the researcher searched, screened, and reviewed an initial set of 262 qualitative studies published in the U.S. and U.K. between 1980 and 2022 to select 23 qualitative studies that met all inclusion criteria for data extraction. Following the multi-stage extraction process of a realist synthesis according to the RAMESES I protocol, findings were coded into themes of empathy, respect, and dignity; integrated support systems; inclusion of autistic voices; and education about autism spectrum disorders. Themes were used to develop the Neuro-Unity conceptual framework. This new framework describes how to facilitate, form, and maintain trusting and inclusive relationships between young autistic adults and their clinical providers. Implications for future theory development and practice, study limitations, and recommendations for future research are also provided.