Marshall University Marshall Digital Scholar Theses, Dissertations and Capstones 2020 Authentic Perspectives on Autistic Resilience: Implications for Schools and Society Andrew Nelson Marshall University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://mds.marshall.edu/etd Part of the Developmental Psychology Commons, Development Studies Commons, Disability Studies Commons, and the Education Commons Recommended Citation Nelson, Andrew, "Authentic Perspectives on Autistic Resilience: Implications for Schools and Society" (2020). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 1279. https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/1279 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by Marshall Digital Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses, Dissertations and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Marshall Digital Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. AUTHENTIC PERSPECTIVES ON AUTISTIC RESILIENCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOLS AND SOCIETY A dissertation submitted to the Graduate College of Marshall University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education In Leadership Studies by Andrew Nelson Approved by Dr. Dennis M. Anderson, Committee Chairperson Dr. Charles Bethel Dr. Edna Meisel Marshall University May 2020 © 2020 Andrew Joseph Nelson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED iii DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to my friend and mentor Dr. Valerie Paradiz. Val, without your guidance, creativity, and kindness I would still be in the dark; thank you for all you have taught me and for bringing me into the light. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Sincere gratitude and appreciation go out to several of my professors, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones. The doctoral faculty of the College of Education and Professional Development at Marshall University deserve countless thanks for creating a program that maintains the essential elements of community despite the many miles between its participants. I am proud to be one of the Daughters and Sons of Marshall. Specifically, I thank Dr. Dennis Anderson, my committee Chair, for his wisdom and guidance. Dr. Anderson provided the kind of discernment and support one needs to complete a project of this scope. Committee members Dr. Charles Bethel and Dr. Edna Meisel brought unique perspectives and encouragement to the committee; I tremendously value their role in helping this research become a reality. Dr. Bobbi Nicholson was also an excellent professor and guide, and I thank her for her gracious help in preparing this dissertation. I acknowledge Dr. David Moran and Ms. Lori Wall for providing the sparks of creativity and support that reinvigorated my life-long dream of completing a doctoral course of study. My boss and great friend Dr. L. Marc Ellison essentially gave the final nudge to let me know it was time to commit to pursuing this dream. I am forever grateful for his guidance and for the unending encouragement from my colleagues at the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. Pranav Rajgopal, Brandon Stump, Steven George, WV ATC Leadership Institute participants, members of the Autistic Global Initiative, and other friends with ASD have played an immeasurable role in my growth and understanding. Thank you for your openness, passion, and exemplary narratives. Together we can make the world a place where autistics can more freely exist and flourish. v My family deserves the highest level of thanks. They have been with me from the time I left my driveway to interview for the Educational Leadership doctoral program to the moment I completed my research; their support and patience have made all of the difference. Thank you for being onboard for every phase of this process. I vow to use the knowledge this experience has afforded to do what I can to improve the world around us. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. xiiii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ xiii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 1 Resilience Definitions and TheoryBackground ......................................................... 1 Risk and Protective Factors ....................................................................................... 4 Resilience and Positive Psychology........................................................................... 5 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Adversity ..................................................... 6 Statement of Problem ........................................................................................................ 7 Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 8 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 8 Significance....................................................................................................................... 9 Definitions of Terms ....................................................................................................... 10 Limitations and Delimitations......................................................................................... 12 Methods........................................................................................................................... 12 Chapter 2: Review of Literature ................................................................................................... 14 Resilience Definitions and Theory .................................................................................. 14 History...................................................................................................................... 14 Essential Definitions ................................................................................................ 15 Adversity, Risks, and Protections ............................................................................ 16 Common Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Adversity Factors .................................... 17 vii Suicidality ................................................................................................................ 18 Early Mortality ......................................................................................................... 18 Maltreatment ............................................................................................................ 19 Challenges with Transition to Adulthood ................................................................ 20 Exisiting Literature on Autistic Resilience ..................................................................... 20 Resilience Approaches to ASD ....................................................................................... 22 Positive Psychology and Resilience......................................................................... 22 Authentic Input from ASD Community ......................................................................... 24 Chapter 3: Research Methods ....................................................................................................... 26 Data Overview ................................................................................................................ 26 Research Design.............................................................................................................. 26 Connection to Research Questions ................................................................................. 27 Sample Population .......................................................................................................... 27 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................... 29 Data Collection ............................................................................................................... 29 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................. 30 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 31 Chapter 4: Presentation and Analysis of Data .............................................................................. 32 Data Collection ............................................................................................................... 32 Participant Characteristics .............................................................................................. 33 Major Findings ................................................................................................................ 33 Research Question 1 ................................................................................................ 34 viii Internal Protective Factors ................................................................................ 34 External Protective Factors ..............................................................................