‘Coming Out’ with Autism: Identity in People with an Asperger’s Diagnosis After DSM-5

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Smith, O. A. & Thom-Jones, S. (2019). ‘Coming Out’ with Autism: Identity in People with an Asperger’s Diagnosis After DSM-5. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(2), 592-602. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04294-5

Publication date: 11 Nov 2019 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
  1. Olivia A. Smith
  2. Sandra Thom-Jones *

Abstract

Asperger's Syndrome was introduced as a separate diagnostic category in the DSM-4 (1994). Its subsequent absorption into autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5 (2013) led to vigorous debate and concerns about the loss of the unique Asperger's identity. Existing research has identified that adults previously diagnosed with Asperger's have expressed a diverse range of opinions regarding the DSM-5 changes. This Australian study explored the role of disability identity development in responses to the change through semi-structured interviews with 12 adults diagnosed with Asperger's under the DSM-4. Their different views did not appear to be a function of demographic variables; a connection was identified between participants' views of the change and differing stages of integration with the Asperger's and/or autism identities.

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Cited references
61
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
3 / 61 (4.9%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
3 / 113 (2.7%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 3 / 22 (13.6%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 3 / 107 (2.8%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
22 / 113 (19.5%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 21 / 107 (19.6%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
19 / 22 (86.4%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 19 / 113 (16.8%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 18 / 21 (85.7%).
2 cited bibliography entries could not be fully enriched from DOI metadata.
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