The Transactional Nature of Autistic Young Adults’ Sensory and Social Experiences: Negotiating Young Adulthood

Abstract

Background:

Sensory processing differences are common in autistic individuals across the lifespan, yet little research has focused on autistic individuals’ sensory experiences during young adulthood. Young adulthood is a time when autistic young people take on new or increasing responsibility while adapting to new environments and contexts, which may present unique sensory challenges.

Methods:

Fourteen autistic young adults (AYAs; aged 20–26) participated in semi-structured interviews about their sensory experiences in daily life contexts and activities, including work and school, home, self-care, social, community, and leisure. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis.

Results:

Sensory and social experiences in AYAs were inextricably linked in a transactional, co-constituted relationship in which sensory experiences shaped social experiences and social experiences shaped sensory experiences. AYAs described ongoing processes of negotiating (i.e., balancing) their sensory and social experiences to manage the developmental tasks of young adulthood: developing autonomy, self-identity, and important relationships. These negotiations involved young adults establishing their sensory boundaries with other people, evaluating trade-offs between sensory experiences and social participation, developing sensory self-understanding through social influences such as parents or therapists or comparisons of their sensory experiences with others, and masking sensory responses because of neuronormative societal expectations that value neurotypical behavior.

Conclusions:

Social experiences play an integral, complex role in the sensory experiences of AYAs. The findings underscore the need to broaden understandings of sensory experiences for autistic individuals, considering both the physical environment and the social context. AYAs’ negotiations of sensory and social experiences aligned with the developmental tasks of young adulthood, highlighting the importance of understanding sensory experiences across the life course. Developing supports that empower AYAs to navigate and negotiate these social and sensory experiences and fostering social environments that are accepting of AYAs’ sensory needs are essential to promote well-being in this population.

Community Brief

Why is this an important issue?

Autistic individuals often experience differences in sensory processing throughout their lives. For example, they may be more sensitive to some sounds, textures, smells, or lights. This can impact their quality of life and mental health. However, we know little about autistic individuals’ sensory experiences during young adulthood. Young adults can face new and unfamiliar situations and responsibilities. These may include starting college, working, and building new social relationships. It is important to learn more about autistic young adults’ sensory experiences as they adapt to these new situations.

What was the purpose of this study?

In this study, we wanted to understand how autistic young adults think about and manage their sensory experiences in everyday life.

What did the researchers do?

In this qualitative research study, we interviewed 14 autistic young adults (aged 20–26). The interviews were done online. Most young adults were in college or working. We analyzed transcripts of the interviews using thematic analysis. First, we labeled (i.e., coded) the parts of the transcribed interviews that were about sensory experiences and everyday contexts and activities (work/school, home, self-care, social, community, and leisure). Then, we realized that most text labeled “sensory experiences” was also labeled “social.” This led us to analyze the data to understand how sensory and social experiences were related. After analyzing the data, we shared the findings with two autistic young adults on our community advisory board. They gave feedback to make the findings clearer.

What were the results of the study?

Sensory and social experiences were related in a complex, back-and-forth way. Social experiences influenced sensory experiences, but sensory experiences also influenced social experiences. Also, young adults described four ways they negotiated or balanced their sensory needs with their social experiences. These negotiations were about common aspects of being a young adult, such as developing autonomy, forming relationships, and understanding one’s identity.

What do these findings add to what was known?

This is the first study to focus on autistic young adults’ sensory experiences through their own descriptions. The findings add to what is known by highlighting that sensory and social experiences are connected and cannot be separated for autistic young adults. Also, how people manage sensory experiences might change as people develop across the life course.

What are potential weaknesses in the study?

The young adults in this study preferred to communicate through speaking and did not have co-occurring intellectual disability. Future research should include diverse samples so that we capture the perspectives of all autistic adults.

How will these findings help autistic adults in the future?

Understanding the relationship of sensory and social experiences can help improve services and supports for autistic young adults. Supports should empower young adults to manage and negotiate their sensory and social experiences. Also, it is important to promote social relationships and attitudes that accept the sensory needs of autistic individuals.