Adults' Experience of an Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis: Analysis of Its Emotional Meaning and Effect on Participants' Lives

This study explores the impact on 74 adults attending an Asperger syndrome diagnosis clinic. Feedback forms containing quantitative and qualitative measures were completed 3 months post-assessment. Qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Regarding questions about their emotional response, participants reported themes of Relief, Feeling better about self, Mixed feelings, No clear feelings, and Negative feelings. Regarding the impact of the diagnosis on their lives, participants reported themes of Understanding and explanation, Self-acceptance, Social interaction, and Support. A sub-clinical threshold group reported a theme of Diagnostic disappointment relating to their experience of not receiving a full diagnosis. There were no differences between pre- and post-assessment on standardized measures of anxiety, depression, or satisfaction with life. However, on a self-report Likert-type scale, participants who received a full diagnosis reported a significantly more positive effect of the diagnosis on their lives, compared with those who did not.