The loss of Asperger Syndrome: An exploration of its effects on self-identity

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Asperger Syndrome (AS) has been eliminated and integrated into a new Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic framework. The loss of AS has social implications for people who self-identify and derive personal meaning from their diagnosis. The current study explored the opinions of adults with AS regarding the identity terms related to the changing classification of ASD. A qualitative approach was adopted whereby 12 participants each completed a semi-structured interview that was transcribed and analyzed via Thematic Analysis. The data revealed six themes: 1) Derived Meaning, 2) Knowledge and Understanding, 3) Perceptions and labels, 4) Social Identity, 5) Opinions and Reactions to ASD, and 6) Barriers to Funding and Service Provision. Overall, the results from the current study have practical utility for the AS community, families, and professionals, and will form the basis of future research.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Huynh, Stephany

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• McCrimmon, Adam
• Strong, Tom

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Schwartz, Kelly
• Wada, Kaori

• Educational Psychology
• Education--Social Sciences
• Psychology--Developmental
• Psychology--Social

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/28239

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/3831