“I was always on the outside, watching quietly”: Autistic women reflect on school experiences

Abstract

Abstract Voices of autistic women and girls have historically been absent from research. Even now, there is limited knowledge about the experiences of autistic girls and women, particularly in the school setting. To address this gap, this phenomenological study explored a broad range of school experiences for autistic women, from kindergarten through college. Interviews of 6 participants were conducted through a pilot study to inform the development of the interview protocol and process. A total of 14 autistic women participated in the full study, which also included the initial 6 from the pilot. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Two researchers independently analyzed the data to identify themes using thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: (1) Accuracy of diagnosis matters; (2) Details matter; (3) Meaning of sensory and emotional experiences; (4) Invisibility/Not belonging; (5) Relationship and friendship challenges; (6) Layers of vulnerability. We identify recommendations for educators, administrators, counselors, and school social workers.