The meaning of occupation in adult autistic individuals' everyday lives
Date
2018
Authors
Magan, Arisha
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Abstract
Autistic individuals have been stigmatised and branded as individuals with limited contributions to society. Through various interactions with autistic individuals, a discrepancy between what autistic individuals hold as meaningful and what the neurotypical society think is meaningful for them became evident. This study evaluated the lived experiences and the meaning of occupation in the everyday lives of five adult autistic individuals. This qualitative study was done in two sequential phases. The first phase evaluated blogs by the participants to gather information about their lives and the second phase consisted of an E-mail interview, which provided an extension of information about their everyday lives. This study found that the participants demonstrated a fierce desire to be successful and realise their hopes and dreams however, due to their behavioural challenges they have been unfairly ostracised and deemed unfit to positively contribute to society. They have faced significant barriers to participation in their occupations due to poor awareness and acceptance of ASD by the neurotypical society. The participants are calling out to the world to hear their voices regarding what is important to them and what can assist them in allowing improved participation in their occupations. This has culminated in the participants becoming self-advocates for autism to promote autism and enlighten the neurotypical society on their capabilities. A major part of this study revolved around using technology to communicate with the participants and this reiterated the benefit of technology-mediated communication in the participants.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. 12 May 2018.
Keywords
Autistic Individual Occupation