Friendships, Friend-Wrecks and Autism: Phenomenological Stud

This descriptive phenomenological study identified the functional role friendships play in the lives of seven emerging adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. The development of friendships play a vital role in the emotional state of emerging adults. Victimization is prevalent among individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, so this study examined constructs between friendships and victimization. The results of this study generated seven themes based on the participants' perceptions, which include: differences between HFASD individuals and neurotypical individuals, family members identified as their best friends, loners, challenges in friendships, bullies and the primary age/grade that childhood friendship struggles are the most prevalent. This study demonstrated that the functional role of friendships is perceived differently between emerging adults with HFASD and their neurotypical peers. Emerging adults with HFASD do not see the role of friendships as a significant influence within their lives at this present time. The findings of this study indicate emerging adults with High Functioning Autism exhibit weak outcomes regarding the development and maintaining true friendships. Participants of this study all expressed the importance of friendship in improving their well-being and indicated a desire to formulate friendships. However, outcomes for the development of friendships for emerging adults with HFASD have been marginally insignificant. Several key elements in targeting appropriate interventions include: 1) identifying reciprocally motivating opportunities, 2) engagement interactions need to be frequent and authentic. Future research considerations include exploring various motivating activities to assist in a natural development of friendship among individuals with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and their neurotypical peers.