(Humphrey, & Lewis, 2008), as well as being able to position and gain an emergent identity encompassing ASC as a positive aspect of the self (Humphrey, & Lewis, 2008; Bagatell, 2007). The emergent identity that encompasses an insight into the realities of ASC characteristics does appear to be one that is then difficult to integrate into socially accepted norms. Integration of the individual’s sense of self as being different to others appears to be extremely important. When this difference is thought of as problematic and not conforming to the social norms a great deal of anxiety and lack of self-worth are observed (Humphrey, & Lewis, 2008; Bagatell, 2007), whereas when an individual is able to recognise their difference as a difference and not deviant a more positive outcome may be observed. In conclusion, it appears that individuals with an ASC do form a of self in relation to their social environment but characteristics of ASC’s make negotiation of this complex in unpredictable social environments and with special consideration given to the observed social vulnerability in these individuals. There appears to be an inextricable link between the development of sense of self, risk of developing anxiety and depression in relation to this, and a potential for the two constructs to interplay to affect the experience of each for individuals with an ASC. The proposed research aims to explore the emotions surrounding making sense of the self for individuals with an ASC and to gain further understanding of what it means for those individuals whilst furthering the current research in this field. Research Question
(Humphrey, & Lewis, 2008), as well as being able to position and gain an emergent identity encompassing ASC as a positive aspect of the self (Humphrey, & Lewis, 2008; Bagatell, 2007). The emergent identity that encompasses an insight into the realities of ASC characteristics does appear to be one that is then difficult to integrate into socially accepted norms. Integration of the individual’s sense of self as being different to others appears to be extremely important. When this difference is thought of as problematic and not conforming to the social norms a great deal of anxiety and lack of self-worth are observed (Humphrey, & Lewis, 2008; Bagatell, 2007), whereas when an individual is able to recognise their difference as a difference and not deviant a more positive outcome may be observed. In conclusion, it appears that individuals with an ASC do form a of self in relation to their social environment but characteristics of ASC’s make negotiation of this complex in unpredictable social environments and with special consideration given to the observed social vulnerability in these individuals. There appears to be an inextricable link between the development of sense of self, risk of developing anxiety and depression in relation to this, and a potential for the two constructs to interplay to affect the experience of each for individuals with an ASC. The proposed research aims to explore the emotions surrounding making sense of the self for individuals with an ASC and to gain further understanding of what it means for those individuals whilst furthering the current research in this field. Research Question
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