Nor weak ties, nor strong ties: Personal support networks and relations between autistic peers.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to analyze egocentric social networks of 31 autistic adults in Québec (Canada). We examined the composition of their proximal personal support network and the role of support shared among autistic peers. A mixed method analysis was used. An egocentric network questionnaire that included qualitative prompts was conducted to gather participants' interpretations and reference systems, facilitating an understanding of networks' multidimensional aspect. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted with a subset of the data from the qualitative prompts. Three main themes were identified: (1) interference in social interactions, (2) mutual acknowledgment, and (3) social engagement in the community. Most participants (n = 21) mentioned autistic peers, but although th

SUBMITTER: Courcy I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12717286 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature