Photographs Allow Teenagers With Autism To Share Their Challenges Growing Up, Many Comforted By Animals

Teenagers with autism spectrum disorder face a difficult transition to adulthood. In studies from the University of Missouri these children were able to give a glimpse of the challenges they face through photographs that they themselves have taken. Many took photographs of animals and said they helped to fight off sadness.

"Giving them cameras so they could tell their stories through images allowed us to determine what these young adults thought and felt," said Nancy Cheak-Zamora, one of the researchers, as per Science Daily. Cheak-Zamora is an assistant professor in the School of Health Professions and a researcher at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Challenges Of Autism Through Photographs: The researchers used Photovoice, said to be a flexible research method allowing participants to use images and share their experiences, according to a report from EurekAlert. There were 11 young people aged 16 to 25 with autism spectrum disorder who took part in the studies.

The researchers gave them cameras to take photographs showing their experiences as they grew up, both those that they enjoyed and those that served as challenges for them while dealing with autism.  They reportedly said that they were stressed about taking on new responsibilities and being able to live as an adult.  The youths with autism spectrum disorder were said to be more confident talking about their concerns through photographs.

Youth With Autism Trying To Be Social: "Youth with ASD struggle with isolation and socializing with peers and family members," Cheak-Zamora said, as per R&D Mag. "However, they continually try to put themselves out there and be more social and trying to make friends. These were evident themes through the photographs taken," Cheak-Zamora added.

The study, Capturing Experiences of Youth with ASD via Photo Exploration: Challenges and Resources Becoming an Adult was published in Journal of Adolescent Research. The study, Snapshots of Growing Up: Youth with Autism Explore Adulthood through Photovoice was published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.