Background

Studies involving autistic adults have often focused on negative outcomes and quality of life ratings.

Aims

This study provides a different viewpoint by examining the perspectives of autistic men who consider themselves to be successful.

Methods

Data were gathered from 10 men who shared their experiences and perceptions regarding their journey to achieve success. Self-determination theory provided a useful lens for examining the men’s narratives and understanding the factors that led to their success.

Results

Analysis of interviews revealed four main themes: (1) being my own self, (2) a competent professional, (3) solving problems in a neurotypical world, and (4) relating and connecting. These themes reflect the men’s perception of their own self-determination including their autonomy, competence, and relatedness with others.

Conclusions

The men’s sense of success was derived from their ability to achieve competence in their work, act without help or influence from others and demonstrate a high level of self-awareness and self-reflection. Despite this, many continued to experience difficulty in the social areas of their lives.

Implications: These findings suggest that self-determination theory may present an alternative and more positive means of enacting support programs for autistic individuals, and males in particular.

中文翻译：

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成功对自闭症患者意味着什么？自决的叙事探索

背景

涉及自闭症成人的研究通常侧重于负面结果和生活质量评级。

宗旨

这项研究通过考察自认为成功的自闭症男性的观点，提供了不同的观点。

方法

数据收集自 10 名男性，他们分享了他们在取得成功的过程中的经验和看法。自决理论提供了一个有用的镜头来检查男人的叙述和理解导致他们成功的因素。

结果

访谈分析揭示了四个主要主题：(1) 做我自己，(2) 一个称职的专业人士，(3) 在神经型世界中解决问题，以及 (4) 联系和联系。这些主题反映了男性对自我决定的看法，包括他们的自主权、能力和与他人的关系。

结论

男性的成功感来自于他们在工作中取得胜任能力、在没有他人帮助或影响的情况下行事以及表现出高度的自我意识和自我反省的能力。尽管如此，许多人继续在生活的社交领域遇到困难。

启示：这些发现表明，自决理论可能为自闭症患者，尤其是男性，提供另一种更积极的支持计划。