Self-Perception in Youth With HFA/AS
Date
2012
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Swarthmore College. Dept. of Educational Studies
Swarthmore College. Dept. of Psychology
Swarthmore College. Dept. of Psychology
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Thesis (B.A.)
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en_US
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Abstract
The literature on youth with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism
(HFA) suggests that they have limitations in how they see themselves, but that many are
aware of how they are different from the norm. This has been found to contribute to the
development of low self-esteem and high rates of depression and anxiety that are so prevalent
in this population. Little research has been dedicated to examining ways in which youth with
HFA and AS can be encouraged to feel more positively about themselves. Exposure to peers
with similar diagnoses has been found to be helpful in other special populations, but has not
been thoroughly studied in youth with HFA/AS. The present study measured youth’s
perceptions of themselves before attending a summer camp exclusively for youth with social
difficulties, immediately after attending the camp, and several months later. Mirroring the
findings of previous studies, these campers displayed awareness of their social difficulties,
and were able to reflect on what makes them feel proud. This contrasts the belief that youth
in this population are unable to engage in self-reflection. Results from standardized measures
did not reveal changes in youth’s perceptions of themselves after being at camp. However
participants’ responses to open-ended questions suggested that campers experienced
profound changes in their perceptions of their social competence, self-confidence, selfreliance,
and sense of belonging. These findings have implications on effective interventions
for this population, as well as on accurate methods of assessment of change in this group.