THE STRUCTURE OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE IN THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE
THE STRUCTURE OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE IN THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: This study describes the self-knowledge structure of individuals on the autismspectrum, characterized as a set of personal judgments, evaluative judgments, and judgmentsrelated to personal standards. These judgments concern topics associated with personal andphysical attributes, relationships with others, and intellectual capabilities.Research Aim: The aim of the research presented in this article was to explore and describe theself-knowledge structure of the participant.Method: The research questions were directed at describing the self-knowledge structure ofan adult on the autism spectrum in relation to personality, intellectual, social, and physicaldomains. The study was conducted within an interpretative paradigm and utilized a dialogicalmethod. For analysis and presentation of the autotelic case study, a single text was selected,which reconstructs the participant’s statements. This research material was analyzed and inter-preted according to the principles of phenomenography.Results: The presented findings reveal the self-knowledge structure of an adult on the autismspectrum, displaying the participant’s self-description, self-evaluation and ideal of self acrosspersonality, intellectual, social, and physical domains.Conclusions: Based on the analysis and interpretation of the empirical material, it can be in-ferred that adults on the autism spectrum possess a self-knowledge structure indicative of a ma-ture stage of development. Evidence for this includes a hierarchical structure of self-knowledge.It is suggested that the level of self-insight may vary depending on the individual’s interest ineach domain. Practical implications are oriented toward supporting individuals on the autismspectrum in the process of building self-knowledge.

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