Autism and well-being: Masking in autistic girls and the role of animal contact in well-being.

Abstract

This thesis seeks to explore and understand the experiences of autistic people in relation to animal contact and masking. Chapter One offers an introduction to key concepts, including use of language and participatory research. It also covers research motivations, key findings and a concluding summary of the interconnected nature of Chapter Two and Three.
Chapter Two is a systematic review of qualitative research exploring animal contact in relation to well-being for autistic individuals. Twenty-four papers were included in the final synthesis and were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP, 2024). Thematic synthesis revealed six themes; individual well-being; bridging and connecting; freedom to grow; anchor for the family; challenges; and faithful friends. The findings demonstrated that animal contact may support the well-being of autistic individuals in a multi-faceted way and underscored the need for more rigorous research.
Chapter Three is a qualitative empirical study exploring how adolescent autistic females understand their masking behaviours. Ten participants took part in semi-structured interviews, analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; 2021; 2023) from a relativist-constructionist orientation. Four themes were identified; social dynamics; emotional well-being; masking is a safety net; and the (un)masking journey. Findings suggest that masking is inherently social and may serve as a key survival mechanism supporting autistic individuals navigate a non-autistic society. However, it was associated with several negative outcomes and some participants described seeking opportunities to unmask. These findings emphasise the need for masking autonomy and for professionals to support autistic individuals to develop coping mechanisms that do not rely on conforming to societal norms. Instead, authenticity should be facilitated through the development of more accommodating environments, thus reducing the pressure to mask.

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ORCID for Anna Sophie Norman: orcid.org/0009-0005-6352-0358

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