From Deficit to Strength: Autistic Adults’ Lived Experiences and the Case for Strength-Based Education and Employment Practices
Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neurodiversity Paradigm, Strength-Based Education, Lived Experience, Inclusive Education, EmploymentAbstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often framed within deficit-based paradigms, overshadowing the inherent strengths of autistic individuals. This study adopts a phenomenological approach to explore the unique strengths of autistic individuals as perceived by five high-functioning autistic adults in Malta. Semi-structured interviews examined participants' reflections on their childhoods, educational environments, and professional lives. Thematic analysis identified five interrelated themes: (1) hidden gifts and strengths of autistic individuals, (2) perceptions of autism and self-awareness, (3) living with misunderstandings in adulthood, (4) navigating childhood and school, and (5) the influence of family and professional environments. Findings highlight strengths such as exceptional memory, analytical thinking, creativity, and empathy, alongside challenges arising from societal misconceptions and a lack of strength-based educational practices. This research advocates for the adoption of neurodiversity-affirming frameworks and strength-based approaches across education, family support, and workplace environments to foster inclusion and well-being. Uniquely situated within the underexplored Maltese context, this study contributes novel insights into how cultural and educational systems influence the recognition of autistic strengths.
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