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The impact of an Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis : a phenomenological exploration into the lived experience of Asperger Syndrome

This phenomenological research study explores the lived experience of an Asperger syndrome (AS) diagnosis, particularly focusing on the impacts of diagnosis. The proposed sample included seven co-researchers, four women, three men, with lived experiences of an AS diagnosis. Asperger syndrome is a lifelong developmental disability (APA, 1994). Using Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology (1978), a total of twelve themes emerged from the data. These themes are produced in an exhaustive description, this displays the lived experiences of an AS diagnosis. The analysis displayed a total of 12 themes: Impact of diagnosis leading to changes in social and family relationships; Feelings arising from diagnosis; Personal changes through diagnosis; Impact of a diagnosis an inhibiting factor; Personal changes in identity and similarity with others; Feeling arising before diagnosis; Accessibility to Autism services; Feelings arising from child's diagnosis; Impact of child's diagnosis leading to changes in family, social and intimate relationships; Personal changes in identity through a mother and carer role; Uncertainty about future; Lack of psychological & emotional support. The co-researchers reported a change in identity and relationship(s) with others. Coresearchers reported a lack of psychological support provided after the AS diagnosis. This shows an urgent need for psychological therapy among this client group. I propose Counselling Psychologists can fulfil this need and offer a range of support through different means including post-diagnostic follow-ups, counselling (postdiagnosis) and ongoing group support. These findings will be discussed in detail.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:646047
Date January 2009
CreatorsDaves, Maria Margaret
ContributorsKirkland Hadley, Nick
PublisherRegent's University London
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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