ERIC Number: EJ1300598
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Jul
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
Autistic Adults' Subjective Experiences of Hoarding and Self-Injurious Behaviors
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v25 n5 p1457-1468 Jul 2021
Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors and Interests represent a core feature of autism since the earliest conceptualization of the condition. Related behaviors, such as hoarding and self-injurious behaviors, are under-researched in adulthood, resulting in limited knowledge about their various manifestation through the life span. This study expands our understanding of hoarding and self-injurious behaviors through subjective experiences shared by autistic adults. Ten adults with an autism diagnosis (aged 18-55 years, five females) participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis identified a cluster of behaviors related to hoarding and self-injurious behaviors. Further analysis sub-categorized each theme according to the underlying purpose of the behavior. Hoarding behaviors were motivated by (1) a need for emotional aids, (2) disposing difficulties, and (3) collecting items related to special interests. Reasons for engaging in self-injurious behaviors were (1) an urge for sensory stimulation and (2) emotional regulation purposes. Discussion focuses on the underlying motives of the participants for engaging in these behaviors, in respect to current research knowledge. Relations to the general construct of Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors and Interests are discussed along with implications for research and practice.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Adults, Experience, Self Destructive Behavior, Self Control, Emotional Response, Attitudes, Sensory Experience
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A