Project: Coping Mechanisms, Social Demands & Anxiety in Adults Diagnosed with ASD
As part of a collaborative research project within the University of Rochester's PSYC 219 course, I explored coping mechanisms, social demands, and anxiety in adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adulthood. Working with the Golisano Autism Center, I conducted qualitative interviews to gather insights into how adults with ASD navigate social interactions, manage anxiety, and use coping strategies such as social camouflaging. The study revealed that while camouflaging can help individuals blend into neurotypical settings, it often leads to significant psychological strain. My research focused on understanding the factors that influence these coping mechanisms, such as age at diagnosis, gender, and personal experiences, and highlighted the need for personalized support and greater societal awareness of neurodiversity.
Coping Mechanisms, Social Demands, and Anxiety in Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Presentation Version)
In my presentation on "Coping Mechanisms, Social Demands, and Anxiety in Adults Diagnosed with ASD," I explored how adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) manage social interactions and anxiety, particularly through social camouflaging. Conducted in collaboration with the Golisano Autism Center, the research revealed how factors like age at diagnosis and gender shape these coping mechanisms and highlighted the psychological strain that camouflaging can cause. This study underscores the need for personalized support strategies and greater societal acceptance of neurodiversity.
Coping Mechanisms, Social Demands, and Anxiety in Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Paper Version)
This paper provides a detailed analysis of the coping mechanisms used by adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adulthood, focusing on social camouflaging and anxiety management. Through qualitative interviews with participants from the Golisano Autism Center, it examines how factors like age at diagnosis and gender influence these behaviors, highlighting the psychological strain they can cause. The study emphasizes the need for personalized support strategies to reduce burnout and improve mental health outcomes for adults with ASD.