Abstract

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My research was conducted from a social constructionist viewpoint, using thematic analysis, and explored the affordances and constraints of diagnosis. A powerful theme throughout was the impact of autism myths and stereotypes, barriers to diagnosis due to professionals not understanding masking/camouflaging, and a journey from autism first being seen as something ‘wrong’ within people to something to celebrate, a superpower, and the problems being in society and external to their daughters. The change in relationship between the mothers and their daughters was also evident along with a change in parenting which was informed by new narratives and understanding and letting go of societal ‘oughtisms‘.

 

Last updated 17th August 2021