Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Support Related to the Death of Someone Important to Them, and of Engaging with Psychological Interventions Related to Their Mental Health: A Qualitative Exploration
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerRodgers, C. (2025). Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Support Related to the Death of Someone Important to Them, and of Engaging with Psychological Interventions Related to Their Mental Health: A Qualitative Exploration [Dissertation]. https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/1ce1bf8c-392f-41b9-8e65-abea5f10c818
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Abstract
This thesis explores autistic adults’ experiences of the death of someone important to them, and their experiences of accessing informal and formal support. Paper 1 presents a systematic review and thematic synthesis focusing on autistic adults’ experiences of engaging with psychological interventions and practitioners. Seventeen studies were included in the review, representing the voices of 925 autistic adults. The review offers novel insights into how autistic adults experience psychological interventions; an experience that can be both positive and rewarding but also challenging and emotionally demanding. Recommendations include taking a flexible and collaborative approach to interventions that is attuned to the goals and priorities of autistic adults, alongside their needs and preferences for support. The importance of knowledge and training is discussed. Paper 2 is an empirical study focusing on autistic adults’ experiences of the death of someone important to them, and their experiences of support related to such experiences. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of ten semi-structured interviews identified three themes. Participants highlighted the challenges of experiencing a death and how, as an autistic person, it was difficult to respond authentically and have their needs met by systems of support. Recommendations include the recognition of the cumulative and depleting demands autistic adults may face following a death, and the importance of considering the individual needs and preferences of autistic adults following a death. Implications for practice and research are discussed. Paper 3 is a critical appraisal of the completion of Paper 1 and 2, including reflection upon decision-making, the strengths and limitations of both papers, and personal reflection on the overall thesis.
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