Exploring Autistic Girls and Friendship: A Meta-Ethnography

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 4:55 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Voice and Agency in Autism Research (Table 22)

Abstract

Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have friendship experiences that are often overlooked and misunderstood. This study explores the voices of girls with ASD about friendship through the interpretive methodology of meta-ethnography. A research team analyzed published studies to answer the research questions, How do girls with ASD perceive friendships? What are the facilitators of and the barriers to friendships from the perspectives of girls with ASD? (Noblit & Hare, 1988). After analyzing the published articles, the researchers created second-order themes based on results generated consistently in the articles. The following second-order themes were found: (1) Girls desire friendships, (2) Effects of the environment, (3) Effects of peers, (4) Supports for friendships, and (5) Emotional toll of masking.

Authors

• Elisabeth K. Rice, The George Washington University

• Adam Berman, Central Michigan University

• Kelly Offutt, Ivymount Organization

• Darcie Whitlow, Great Prairie Area Education Agency