Understanding camouflaging as a response to autism-related stigma: A Social Identity Theory approach

Perry, Ella; Hull, Laura; Mandy, William; Cage, Eilidh

doi:10.31234/osf.io/7w2pe

Cited by 11 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…In a similar manner to masking behaviours, modelling neurotypical communication behaviours could be understood within a stigma framework as an attempt to reduce prejudice or discrimination by signalling proximity to neurotypicality (Pearson & Rose, 2021; Perry, Mandy, Hull, & Cage, 2021). In addition, using the normative expressions of the culture, subculture or family one is interacting with likely improves clarity and ease in communication (Halberstadt, Denham, & Dunsmore, 2001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Given that autistic people commonly experience devaluation, rejection and misunderstanding (Kinnear et al, 2016; Milton et al, 2018; Sasson et al, 2017) as well as the central role autism often plays in the identity of autistic people, it has been argued that autistic people represent an identity-based minority group subjected to social stigma and disadvantaged social status (Botha, Dibb, & Frost, 2020; Botha & Frost, 2020). As such, masking behaviours could be understood within a stigma framework, as an attempt to prevent prejudice and discrimination by concealing or strategically attenuating autistic identity (Botha et al, 2020; Cage & Troxell-Whitman, 2020; Pearson & Rose, 2021; Perry et al, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Self-reported camouflaging behaviours used by autistic adults during everyday social interactions

Cook

Crane

Hull

et al. 2021

Autism

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Autistic people may camouflage their innate autistic social behaviours to adapt to, cope within and/or influence the predominately neurotypical social landscape. This study describes behaviours exhibited, altered or avoided by autistic adults whilst camouflaging (i.e. camouflaging behaviours). Using Interpersonal Process Recall methodology, 17 autistic adults (8 women, 6 men and 3 agender/gender neutral individuals) participated in a brief social task designed to replicate a common day-to-day social situation. Participants then watched a video of their interaction with a researcher, actively identifying and describing camouflaging behaviours. Using qualitative content analysis, descriptions of 38 camouflaging behaviours described by participants were clustered into four main categories and seven subcategories: (1) masking, (2) innocuous engagement (subcategories: passive encouragement, centring social partner, deferential engagement and reducing social risk), (3) modelling neurotypical communication and (4) active self-presentation (subcategories: reciprocal social behaviours, risky social behaviours, and comfortable and familiar social behaviours). The novel use of Interpersonal Process Recall methodology addressed limitations in existing camouflaging research and facilitated the identification of previously unreported camouflaging behaviours. These camouflaging behaviours are discussed with reference to literature concerning interpersonal research and theory within and outside the field of autism. Lay abstract Camouflaging can be thought of as the process through which autistic people modify their natural social behaviours to adapt to, cope within or influence the largely neurotypical (non-autistic) social world. Many autistic people experience negative reactions to their natural or intuitive social behaviours when interacting with non-autistic people. Over time, in response to these negative reactions, autistic people’s social behaviour often changes. We refer to autistic people’s changed behaviours as ‘camouflaging behaviours’. Research exploring camouflaging behaviours is still at an early stage. This study investigated camouflaging behaviours used by autistic adults in everyday social interactions using a research method that was new to the field of autism. Specifically, 17 autistic adults were filmed taking part in a common everyday social situation – a conversation with a stranger. With the help of the video of this conversation, they then showed and described their camouflaging behaviours to a researcher. These autistic people identified and described a total of 38 different camouflaging behaviours. The detailed and specific information provided by autistic adults about camouflaging behaviours generated important new insights into the ways in which autistic people adapt to, cope within and influence the neurotypical (non-autistic) social world.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-reported camouflaging behaviours used by autistic adults during everyday social interactions

Cook

Crane

Hull

et al. 2021

Autism

Self Cite

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“…The CC-A may be useful for clinicians to understand the communication limitations of their individual clients as it increased the understanding of the autistic participants in our study and we compared the outcomes with the Australian autistic population. The autistic sample for this study compromised of people under 37 years old and therefore did not obtain data from a wide range of autistic people over their lifespan; however, previous research shows similar barriers for ageing autistic adults (Patra, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers to Accessing Healthcare: Perspectives from Autistic Adults and Carers

et al. 2021

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Autistic adults have higher health needs compared to most, yet they continue to experience barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare. Presently, no qualitative research exists exploring these barriers which impact overall physical and mental health. We conducted a qualitative analysis in Victoria (Australia) of the perceived experiences of healthcare access for autistic adults ( n = 9) and primary caregivers of autistic adults ( n = 7). Specifically, a three-staged phenomenological approach was applied involving: (i) a communicative checklist, (ii) a health status survey and (iii) face-to-face interviews. Elements such as support, responsibilities and protective factors exhibited by caregivers, may impact healthcare access for autistic adults. Results indicate the need for further research exploring interdependent factors that impact healthcare access by caregivers, so evidence-based interventions can be developed to support caregivers in the future.

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“…Clinicians need to be aware of the potential mental health risks of 'camouflaging' and avoid encouraging or manipulating autistic people to engage in it, even through naturalistic or play-based methods. 84,85 Keeping in mind health and wellbeing as the goals of clinical work, and the fundamental principle of beneficence, research should explore the long-term effects of behavioural interventions on autistic adults who have been subjected to them, as there have been reports of adverse effects.…”

Section: Behavioural Concepts and Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autistic perspectives on the future of clinical autism research

Pukki¹,

Bettin²,

Outlaw³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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There have been widespread expressions of dissatisfaction among autistic people and communities regarding the recommendations of the Lancet Commission on the future of care and clinical research in autism.1 The authors of this article discussed the Commission’s report and some wider issues related to autism research in general as a committee of autistic people, the Global Autistic Task Force on Autism Research, comprising autistic professionals and representatives of organisations run by and for autistic people, focusing on advocacy, service provision, education and participatory research. The Commission has been addressed in an open letter that drew attention to some of the points also discussed in this article.

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Understanding camouflaging as a response to autism-related stigma: A Social Identity Theory approach

Cited by 11 publications

References 36 publications

Self-reported camouflaging behaviours used by autistic adults during everyday social interactions

Self-reported camouflaging behaviours used by autistic adults during everyday social interactions

Barriers to Accessing Healthcare: Perspectives from Autistic Adults and Carers

Autistic perspectives on the future of clinical autism research

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