Understanding the autistic experience of abuse disclosure and shame

Abstract

Section A
Background: Although autistic people are disproportionally affected by interpersonal violence, emerging research suggests they may face unique barriers to disclosing abuse to others. Disclosure is often an important first step in accessing support, and can improve mental health outcomes. Despite this, there is limited research exploring autistic people’s experiences of disclosing abuse, particularly around potential barriers and facilitators. The current review therefore aimed to synthesise available research discussing autistic people’s experiences of disclosing abuse.
Method: Electronic searches across four databases identified ten qualitative studies. Studies’ methodological quality was assessed and analysed using thematic synthesis.
Findings: The synthesis generated six themes: ‘The impact of abuse’, ‘Relational dynamics and power’, ‘The role of social support’, ‘Difficulties recognising and naming abuse’, ‘Decisions around disclosure’ and ‘Unhelpful responses to disclosure’. Several subthemes were also identified and explored.
Discussion: Autistic people appear to face unique barriers to disclosing abuse rooted in social-communication differences, minority stress, and systemic ableism. Findings were discussed in relation to existing literature and theory, notably the Minority Stress Theory. Included studies focused primarily on White autistic populations; further research is therefore needed to explore diverse perspectives.

Section B
Objectives: Shame is a painful emotion that can contribute to significant psychological distress. Autistic women may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing shame due to social expectations and pressures to mask autistic differences. As limited research has explored shame in the lived experiences of autistic women, the present study developed theory around how shame develops and operates within this group.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews exploring experiences with shame were conducted with ten autistic women from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Data was analysed using an abbreviated constructivist version of grounded theory.
Results: Four processes were developed: (1) Internalising othering as inherent faultiness, (2) Navigating doing ‘right’, (3) Coping with ‘alive’ shame, and (4) Re-authoring the self. Compounded by holding intersecting marginalised identities, shame emerged through repeated experiences of othering, contributing to beliefs of being fundamentally flawed. Strategies such as achieving and withdrawing helped manage shame but often maintained vulnerability to it. Receiving one’s autism diagnosis, developing self-understanding, and experiencing acceptance supported a process of re-authoring the self that reduced shame.
Discussion: Implications for clinical practice highlight the importance of validation, neuro-affirming approaches, tailored post-diagnostic support and peer-led communities. More representative samples and evaluations of shame-focused interventions adapted for autistic people in research are needed.

Date of Award	2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Canterbury Christ Church University