Clinician Perspectives of Adult High-Functioning Autism Support Groups' Use of Neurodiversity Concept

Clinician Perspectives of Adult High-Functioning Autism Support Groups’ Use of Neurodiversity Concept by Gwendolyn Spencer Barnhart MS, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, University of Phoenix, 2007 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy General Psychology: Research and Evaluation Walden University February 2016 Abstract Ample research has examined the impact of autism for children and families, but less hasAmple research has examined the impact of autism for children and families, but less has addressed the effects of this condition for adults. The literature indicates that adults on the autism spectrum suffer from depression and have a heightened risk of suicidal ideation because of their social skills deficits. Research also shows that individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) can benefit from participating in support groups. In addition, research indicates that use of the term “neurodiversity” rather than other diagnostic labels encourages increased self-esteem to persons on the autism spectrum. This grounded theory study sought to understand the belief of clinicians with regard to the incorporation of the concept of neurodiversity in support groups for adults with HFA. The population for this study comprised clinicians who led support groups for adults with HFA. The specific foundational theories used were Tuckman’s stage model of group development and Salzer’s peer support model. Data consisted of 3 pilot study interviews and 12 additional interviews. Participant recruitment occurred through LinkedIn, and interviews took place online through the chat modality GoToMeeting. Interview data were entered into NVivo and a Van Kaam coding procedure was used to decipher recurring themes. Key results indicated that clinicians believe that the incorporation of the concept of neurodiversity can help adults with autism to build self-esteem and change the way individuals with HFA consider the condition, which in turn can assist them to build social skills, and relationships with their peers. Positive social change that may result from this study includes encouragement for increased use of the concept of neurodiversity as a tool in support groups for people with HFA, and stimulation of further study of this concept for decreasing bias against those with HFA. Clinician Perspectives of Adult High-Functioning Autism Support Groups’ Use of Neurodiversity Concept by Gwendolyn Spencer Barnhart MS, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, University of Phoenix, 2007 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy General Psychology: Research and Evaluation Walden University February 2016 Dedication This research is dedicated to all of those with developmental disabilities. May you have faith in yourselves. May you have a positive outlook. May you reach for your dreams, and aim high. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot because you can. Never second guess yourself. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my family for putting up with me during this crazy endeavor. They have sacrificed so much in the wake of TV dinners, a messy house, and a very frazzled mother and wife. I am so appreciative of the members of my dissertation committee, Dr. Horton, Dr. Rich, and Dr. Stiles-Smith. I am especially grateful for my feline friends who have stood by me, through thick and thin, purring and snuggling their little hearts out to help me through this process.