Ryder, Georgena (2013) Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neurodiversity and Special Interests: Exploring Mothers' Perceptions using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition growing in prevalence (Odom, Cox & Brock, 2013). Diagnosis is made based on ‘deficits’ in social communication and an engagement in repetitive behaviours or restricted interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Whilst medically ASD is termed a ‘disorder’, the neurodiverse approach opposes this idea (Armstong, 2010), instead focusing on the differences of each person. Special Interests (SIs) are one ‘symptom’ of ASD and are negatively viewed within the context of the medical model. However, previous research has found that SIs can have social and educational benefits. This study aimed to examine SIs within the context of neurodiversity, in order to investigate strengths, weaknesses, and the differences perceived between SIs and typical hobbies. Four mothers of children with ASD were interviewed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Analysis found that these women encouraged the majority of their children’s interests and found them to have a range of positive uses. Additionally, the women’s in-depth narratives provided insight into attitudes surrounding ASD more generally and gave some support for neurodiversity. Whilst further research is warranted, discussed is the need to revaluate the mainstream perception of SIs, along with the potential for harnessing them further in employment.
|
Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology, Counselling and Community (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2014) |
| Supervisors: | Charlotte Brownlow |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Sep 2025 00:59 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Sep 2025 00:59 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Autism Spectrum Disorder, Special Interests, Neurodiversity, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52725 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Archive Repository Staff Only |
