McMorris, CarlyHowe, Stephanie2022-09-012022-09-012022-08-29Howe, S. (2022). Understanding Camouflaging and Identity in Autistic Children and Youth Using Photovoice (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/115149Background: While it is well-established that autistic children and adolescents are vulnerable to developing mental health concerns, it is unclear what factors cause and maintain these mental health issues. Camouflaging, or the use of strategies by autistic people to minimize the visibility of their autistic traits in social situations, may be a risk factor for mental health concerns among autistic adults. However, there is relatively little research describing camouflaging among autistic children and adolescents. The present study provided evidence of emerging camouflaging behaviour among autistic children and adolescents and supplied rich descriptions of this phenomenon from those with lived experience. Methods: Photo-elicitation was used to actively engage participants in the research process, and to assist them in sharing their thoughts through photography. Seven autistic children and adolescents aged 10 to 14 years (M = 11.57, SD = 1.81) were given two to three weeks to take photographs in response to the topic and prompts provided. Individual interviews were conducted with each participant. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes within interview data and an interpretive engagement framework was used to interpret participant images. Results: Qualitative analysis identified 13 themes. Camouflaging was perceived by autistic children and adolescents to be a response to negative social experiences, as well as a learned habit that was often unconscious and difficult to stop. Context (e.g., the audience, the activity) was important for determining when children and adolescents would camouflage. While some autistic children and adolescents camouflaged by suppressing their natural behaviours in social situations, many camouflaged by generally hiding their true selves (e.g., their interests, emotions, and opinions) from others. Camouflaging behaviour was reported to result in internal conflict, stress, and a need for time alone to recharge. Conclusions: Results from this qualitative study highlight that autistic children and adolescent as young as ten years old engage in camouflaging behaviour that can be pervasive and automatic. Camouflaging was reported to be a stressful, confusing, and energetically draining experience for autistic children and adolescents. Better understanding of the development and experience of camouflaging in childhood can inform prevention of mental health concerns in adulthood.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.autism spectrum disorderchildrenadolescentsyouthcamouflagingsocial maskingPhotovoicephoto-elicitationqualitative researchEducational PsychologyMental HealthPsychology--ClinicalPsychology--DevelopmentalPsychology--Socialmaster thesis