Presenter: Sidney Laurel Adams
Faculty Sponsor: Ashley Woodman
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
ABSTRACT
Identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is evolving beyond the formal diagnosis or autistic/non-autistic binary, with self-diagnosis and questioning becoming increasingly common pathways to autistic identity, particularly among young adults. Access to formal evaluation is frequently obstructed by barriers such as time and resources. Self-diagnosis is a viable alternative, offering in many cases access to accommodations, community, and an understandable identity. Current research largely focuses on formally diagnosed individuals, leaving a gap in understanding diverse identification groups. The present investigation has two primary aims: first, to compare the psychological profiles of formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, questioning, and allistic (non-autistic) college students. Second, to analyze perceived barriers to obtaining a formal diagnosis. We plan to recruit approximately 30 participants per autism identification group and 100 allistic participants from the Five College Consortium to complete an online questionnaire. The survey will include researcher-created questions regarding identification and barriers, along with validated measures investigating autistic traits (CATI), camouflaging (CAT-Q), executive functioning (SEFS), and depressive symptoms (DASS-21). Data collection is underway, with 84 respondents so far. Collection and analysis will be complete by April 3rd, 2026. Data will be analyzed using ANOVAs to compare group profiles and linear regressions to examine barriers. The findings will provide an empirical foundation for moving past the diagnostic dichotomy apparent in autism research. This investigation aims to inform the development of more accessible support systems within higher education and contribute to a more equitable understanding of the autistic community.