Experiences of autism: Adolescent females and newly qualified clinical psychologists perspectives
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Understanding individuals' experiences of autism from both the perspectives of autistic females and clinicians who work with autistic people are recognised by the British Psychological Society as under researched areas. An improved understanding of autistic experiences may help autistic individuals to feel more supported by mental health services. This thesis aims to improve this understanding through a systematic review and an empirical study. Chapter one aims to introduce the core concepts of neurodiversity, neurodivergence, autism, and neuroaffirmative language. It considers the researcher's ontological and epistemological position and the rationale for using constructivist grounded theory. Chapter two is a systematic review synthesising 15 studies exploring the social experiences and peer relationships of autistic adolescent and emerging adult females. Thematic synthesis identified five analytical themes around the need for improved understanding, support and connection, and the costs of trying to fit in. The review aligned with previous literature and extended these findings to include autistic adolescent females during emerging adulthood. It highlighted the need for improved understanding of the experiences of autistic adolescent and emerging adult females, indicating the need for more training for clinicians and other professionals around how autistic females may present and manage their social environments. Chapter three is a constructivist grounded theory study exploring the experiences of newly qualified clinical psychologists in how training prepared them to work with autistic adults. Findings indicated courses may need to be restructured to be more autism focused, with participants reporting varying levels of preparedness to work with autistic adults. Participant experiences were used to guide recommendations for best practice guidelines for future clinical psychology training programmes including more chances to work with autistic individuals and having more autistic individuals involved in the shaping and delivering of course content. Keywords: Autism, Adolescent, Female, Social Experiences, Peer Relationships, Clinical Psychologists, Newly Qualified, Preparedness
Author: Davison, Hazel
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7211967449