title: Reframing Autism: Young Adults With Autism Share Their Strengths Through Photo-Stories.
abstract: A dearth of research describes the lives of young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the perspectives of young adults themselves. We explored young adults' strengths using Photovoice, a method in which participants use images and discussions to express themselves. Images were purposefully chosen to help young people participate in the research process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven young adults captured their experiences growing up with ASD via images, and participated in three group photo discussions, an individual photo interview, and a photo exhibit. Qualitative data for analysis included session transcripts and photographs. We used strategies of theme analysis to understand participants' experiences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the sample was 20years, and 7 participants were male. Three sub-themes describe youth's strengths: 1) special interests that cultivated positive emotions and coping strategies; 2) skills and activities that evoked pride; and 3) reframing ASD as special versus a disadvantage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Photovoice method is well-suited to help young adults identify and express their strengths. Self-generated images and stories may offer a creative and effective form of communication for young adults with ASD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care practitioners can capitalize on how Photovoice helps young adults express themselves by using images to understand their health priorities and involve young adults in their care plans. With images of strength, for example, nurses can build young adults' confidence and help these individuals to identify areas of their mental and physical lives in which they can thrive and experience improved quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, MO. Electronic address: tetim@healthmissouri.edu.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teti
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, MO.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cheak-Zamora
authors.affiliation: Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, MO.
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lolli
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, MO.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maurer-Batjer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063545:Personal Narratives as Topic; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010781:Photography; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autism; Photovoice; Qualitative; Transitions; Young adults