1902). Through interactions, individuals adopt the perspectives of other people and become capable of reflecting on themselves (Mead, 1934). Individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (from here on in termed ASD, including Asperger’s syndrome unless specified) have diagnostic characteristics that leave them profoundly impaired in understanding minds (Baron-Cohen et al, 1985). Those with an ASD are commonly thought of as having a of mind’ ‘theory impairment and it is suggested that individuals with ASD’s are unable to infer the thoughts and feelings of others, as well as not being able to understand their own mental states (Perner et al, 1989). With this being viewed as a crucial ability in the formation of identity, building a sense of self for individuals with ASD’s may therefore be considered to be a complex process, with early detailing of ASD characteristics positioning those with an ASD as having an aloneness and inferred egocentrism (Kanner, 1943). There appears to be a paucity of literature pertaining to the development of a sense of self in individuals with ASD’s, but it is an emerging field, with recent research seeking the views of individuals with ASD’s and highlighting that social challenges have a large impact on adults with an ASD and their sense of self (Muller et al, 2008). Further comment from the field of disability studies has also implied that the pathologising of difference, through social construction of difference being negative, has the potential to create problems for individuals with ASD’s when attempting to form an identity (Molloy, & Vasil, 2002). The impact of not forming a coherent or positive sense of self has implications for individuals and society with respect to psychiatric symptoms. The literature reviewed will attempt to bring together
1902). Through interactions, individuals adopt the perspectives of other people and become capable of reflecting on themselves (Mead, 1934). Individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (from here on in termed ASD, including Asperger’s syndrome unless specified) have diagnostic characteristics that leave them profoundly impaired in understanding minds (Baron-Cohen et al, 1985). Those with an ASD are commonly thought of as having a ‘theory of mind’ impairment and it is suggested that individuals with ASD’s are unable to infer the thoughts and feelings of others, as well as not being able to understand their own mental states (Perner et al, 1989). With this being viewed as a crucial ability in the formation of identity, building a sense of self for individuals with ASD’s may therefore be considered to be a complex process, with early detailing of ASD characteristics positioning those with an ASD as having an aloneness and inferred egocentrism (Kanner, 1943). There appears to be a paucity of literature pertaining to the development of a sense of self in individuals with ASD’s, but it is an emerging field, with recent research seeking the views of individuals with ASD’s and highlighting that social challenges have a large impact on adults with an ASD and their sense of self (Muller et al, 2008). Further comment from the field of disability studies has also implied that the pathologising of difference, through social construction of difference being negative, has the potential to create problems for individuals with ASD’s when attempting to form an identity (Molloy, & Vasil, 2002). The impact of not forming a coherent or positive sense of self has implications for individuals and society with respect to psychiatric symptoms. The literature reviewed will attempt to bring together
MRP%20portfolio%20%28E-thesis%29%206198798.docx