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Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 12/2014

01-12-2014 | Original Paper

Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Survey of Adults in the United Kingdom

Auteurs: Lydia Jones, Lorna Goddard, Elisabeth L. Hill, Lucy A. Henry, Laura Crane

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 12/2014

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Abstract

A total of 128 adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders were surveyed concerning the process they went through to obtain their diagnosis and the subsequent support they received. Results suggested that routes to diagnosis were quite heterogeneous and overall levels of satisfaction with the diagnostic process were mixed; 40 % of respondents were ‘very/quite’ dissatisfied, whilst 47 % were ‘very/quite’ satisfied. The extent of delays, number of professionals seen, quality of information given at diagnosis and levels of post-diagnostic support predicted overall satisfaction with the diagnostic process. Important areas and suggestions for improvement were noted for all stages of the diagnostic pathway. Respondents also displayed above average levels of depressed mood and anxiety, with greater support being requested in this area.
Voetnoten
1
This is lower than expected, based on previous research showing ASDs are 3–4 times more common in males (Chakrabati and Fombonne 2001). However other research looking at high-functioning adults has found the gender ratio to be slightly reduced (Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright 2004; Griffith et al. 2012). This may be because more high-functioning women are diagnosed later in life, as girls tend to be more effective at developing coping strategies to mask their ASDs (Ashton-Smith and Gould 2011). It may also reflect the fact that more women engage in the support services through which the survey was advertised.
 
2
GCSE refers to General Certificate of Secondary Education and are qualifications studied for by 14–16 year olds, just before finishing compulsory education in the UK. A level refers to advanced level, which is a qualification gained in the UK, typically by studying a restricted number of subjects more intensively for a 2 years period (usually at the age of 16–18). It is often used to gain entry to University level courses.
 
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Metagegevens
Titel
Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Survey of Adults in the United Kingdom
Auteurs
Lydia Jones
Lorna Goddard
Elisabeth L. Hill
Lucy A. Henry
Laura Crane
Publicatiedatum
01-12-2014
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 12/2014
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2161-3

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