The current study aimed to explore the nature of self-understanding in adolescents diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition. A photoelicitation interview (PEI) design was used whereby participants took photographs and talked about them in an interview. An additional aim was to assess the utility of the PEI approach in carrying out research with this population. Five participants aged thirteen to fifteen took part in the study. Interview data was interpreted using Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: self in action, self in relation to others and self extended in time. Findings include how participants' self-understanding was derived from relationships with their parents and by reflecting on their past. The use of photographs was found to be helpful in engaging participants with the research process and in producing rich interview data. Introduction According to the medical model, Autism Spectrum Conditions I (AS Cs) are characterised by impairments in social interaction and social communication as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). A range of difficulties with social cognition are thought 1 The term 'autism-spectrum condition' will be used rather than 'autism-spectrum disorder' as it is less stigmatising, and reflects that in addition to having difficulties, individuals with autism also have areas of strength (Baron-Cohen et al., 2009)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:658844 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | King, Mary |
| Publisher | University of Surrey |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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