Social anxiety in adults with autism: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose Many individuals with autism experience social anxiety (SA), yet, to date, this has almost exclusively been investigated using quantitative research methods. We know very little about why individuals with autism perceive they develop SA, what they view the impact and consequences of symptoms to be, and which coping strategies they find helpful. Methods Using a qualitative study design, six men with autism (aged 23–52 years old) participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Seven overarching themes were identified: (1) causal influences for SA; (2) anxiety-provoking social situations; (3) symptoms of SA; (4) chronicity; (5) coping; (6) impact; and (7) interventions. Conclusions Further studies are needed to more fully establish why individuals with autism are vulnerable to developing SA, to inform development of targeted interventions.

Keywords

• autism
• adults
• social anxiety
• social phobia
• qualitative study