“We are different, that’s a fact, but they treat us like we’re different-er”: Understandings of autism and adolescent identity development

What is it about?

Developing an individual identity is central to adolescent development. For autistic young people the idea of ‘being autistic’ is an important part of this process. This study explores how identity develops for autistic young people in the context of their experiences at mainstream school. Young people, their parents and teachers were interviewed every year between school years 6 and 9. Young people said they felt different from their neurotypical peers and the way they felt about being autistic changed as they got older. They wanted to be treated ‘normally’, and many tried to hide their difference at school, which for some included not accepting school support. Parents and teachers described their understandings of autism, and how others respond to young people with autism in school. We discuss the importance of a broad understanding of autism and acceptance of difference in the wider school context to foster positive educational outcomes and good mental health for autistic young people.

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