A systematic review of the mental health support experiences of late diagnosed autistic adults in the UK

Le résumé fourni par la source

Purpose This systematic review aims to summarise qualitative evidence on the experiences of late diagnosed autistic adults engaging with mental health support in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Data from 11 studies were analysed using accounts from 206 participants. Findings Themes were: It Felt Like They Didn’t Care: (subthemes: Dismissed and Misunderstood, Harmful, Not Helpful); Light at the End of the Tunnel (subthemes: Finding What Fits, Listening to Autistic Voices). Participants described frustrating experiences in accessing mental health support both prior to and post-diagnosis. Facilitators to positive mental healthcare included autism informed professionals and services that understood autistic people’s needs. Post-diagnostic supports emphasising a sense of community and self-acceptance were identified as helpful for good mental health outcomes. This review supports the importance of ease of access to autism assessment, appropriate service-wide trainings for mental health professionals and gatekeepers, and the urgent need for timely neuroaffirmative post-diagnostic support for adults receiving a late diagnosis. Originality/value While research with autistic people diagnosed in adulthood is growing, they remain an understudied population; few studies have investigated mental health support experiences of late diagnosed autistic adults. Rates of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood are increasing, particularly among women and gender-diverse populations.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.