Open Society

Background: Research about strengths in autistic individuals has often been based on informant perspectives. These may not align with the subjective experiences and perspectives of autistic people themselves. This study therefore aimed to center the perspectives of autistic people through a qualitative synthesis investigating the lived experiences of strengths in autistic individuals. Methods: A systematic search identified 26 qualitative articles that met the inclusion criteria, out of articles that used qualitative methods to understand autistic participants’ perspectives on strengths in autism. Results: A thematic synthesis approach generated four themes as follows: wired differently, focused interests enrich life, embracing an autism identity, and context-dependent strengths. The review findings showed that autistic individuals value abilities and attributes that they can use to help them thrive in their daily lives, for example, by enhancing their performance at work, enjoyment during an activity, or helping others. Participants had differing views about whether their strengths were attributable to their autism. Autistic strengths extended beyond abilities to pride in having an autism identity and self-knowledge. Participants recognized that their ability to express themselves or their strengths often depended on the context. Conclusion: Recommendations include supporting autistic individuals to openly explore their interests and experiences and to recognize for themselves the characteristics and skills they value, for example, how to draw upon focused interests to develop relaxation strategies.

Background: Sensory processing differences (SPDs) and mental health symptoms are not limited to young autistic people but continue to occur into adulthood. However, existing quantitative research has predominantly focused on younger autistic people. Less work has been done to investigate SPDs and relationships with mental health conditions in older autistic adults (i.e., aged 40 and older) across their midlife and older adulthood. Methods: A total of 432 participants (autistic n = 265; non-autistic n = 167) aged 40–93 years completed online questionnaires related to SPDs and mental health (i.e., anxiety and depression symptoms). Neurotype and gender differences, age associations, and associations between SPDs and mental health were examined. Participants’ contextualization of their lived experiences of SPDs was analyzed qualitatively. Results: Overall, SPDs and mental health symptoms were more apparent in the autistic group than the non-autistic group, with autistic women showing higher levels of SPDs and poorer mental health than autistic men. SPDs were more often reported to worsen across adulthood by those in the autistic group than those in the non-autistic group, with older autistic people more often reporting worse coping abilities. Furthermore, positive associations between SPDs and anxiety/depression symptoms were observed in the autistic group, with the strength of associations increasing with age. From the qualitative data, we developed six topics reflecting participants’ lived experience of SPDs. Conclusion: Quantitative and qualitative evidence suggest that autistic adults in older age may be more likely to have a heightened risk of SPDs and associated poorer mental health. This study extends previous understanding of SPDs with mainly younger autism populations and highlights the necessity of exploring sensory difficulties in autistic adults in midlife and older adulthood.

This research roundup picks out some of the current big debates on autistic lives, and showcases new and important research from teams and academics working within the field.

Exploring alliances between Puerto Ricans and Palestinians

In Puerto Rico, solidarity with the cause of Palestinians runs deep, in large part because of their shared colonial histories and struggles for self-determination.

See how seven different ways of drawing congressional districts across the country — from pretty fair to seriously gerrymandered — could change the partisan and racial makeup of the U.S. House.

When Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away on September 18, many took to social media to share sentiments like "may her memory be a blessing" and "may her memory be a revolution." What do these phrases mean? Where did they originate? How should we use them? Let's break it down. What do Jewish people s

With Harris at the top of the ticket, Democrats shift to a simpler characterization of Trump.

Right now, Minnesota is showing the country you don't win elections to bank political capital – you win elections to burn political capital and improve lives. We’re leading the nation on climate, gun safety, and protecting reproductive rights. We’re putting resources behind our educators and ensuring no child has to learn on an empty stomach. We’re expanding voting rights, expanding workers' rights, and cutting child poverty. In January, I outlined a vision to make Minnesota the best state in the nation for kids to grow up in. We’re delivering on that promise.

This paper aims to place the general thesis for a species-unique “shared” or “we” intentionality, against the theoretical background of the material engagement approach. We will argue that the huma...

Nothing threatens authoritarianism like a free, quiet place to absorb a full range of information.

“This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance” is a new exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Treat classroom management as an opportunity to teach young children what it really means to take care of each other.

Riding along with the civilian “crisis responders” of Olympia, Washington.

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and the City of Minneapolis (City) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The Department also announced that the city and MPD have agreed in principle to resolve the Department’s findings through a court enforceable consent decree with an independent monitor, rather than through contested litigation.

The Associated Press has found that 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are experimenting with removing police from certain, nonviolent 911 calls and sending behavioral health clinicians.

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD) and the City of Phoenix (City) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Louisville Metro) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law. The Department also announced that it has entered into an agreement in principle with Louisville Metro and LMPD, which have committed to resolving the department’s findings through a court-enforceable consent decree with an independent monitor, rather than contested litigation.

The new program aims to divert people suffering a mental health crisis to better care and not jail.

“We’re leading the way right now in law enforcement from this little city,” one community organizer said.

The county plans to triple the number of social workers who are paired with police to respond to some calls for help.

There are more than 100 response teams nationwide, but experts say more research on their impact is needed.

Understanding the difference between neurodiverse and neurodivergent is much more important than just splitting hairs over linguistics.

Restrictions in Northeastern states likely ‘saved many lives’ say researchers

While it is incredibly difficult to understand exactly what it’s like to be deaf, most individuals are aware that hearing difficulty comes with a unique set of challenges. This forces those who are deaf to experience the world in an entirely different way than the rest of the population, and not...