“There’s No Separating My View of My Body from My Autism”: A qualitative study of positive body image in autistic individuals

• Published in: Body image 2024-03, Vol.48, p.101655-101655, Article 101655
• Main Authors: Longhurst, Phaedra, Aspell, Jane, Todd, Jennifer, Swami, Viren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Autism; Grounded theory; Neurodiversity; Positive body image; Qualitative research
• ISSN: 1740-1445; 1873-6807
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101655

While scholars have investigated positive body image across diverse populations, extant theory largely excludes those with differing socio-cognitive experiences, such as autistic individuals. Using constructivist grounded theory, this study sought to develop a grounded theory of positive body image in autistic individuals. One-to-one interviews with photo-elicitation were conducted with 20 autistic adults (7 women, 8 men, 5 non-binary/agender; aged 18–53 years) from the United Kingdom. Through a process of open, axial, and focused coding, a grounded theory was developed around a core category of positive body image in autistic adults and was found to comprise six themes: body connection, body acceptance, appreciating body functionality and neurodivergent strengths, having a body-positive protective filter, taking care of the body, and body and appearance neutrality. Our findings suggest that some aspects of positive body image in autistic individuals are consistent with those found in neurotypical adults. However, positive body image in autistic individuals further encompasses both the sensory (i.e., how the body is felt) and aesthetic (i.e., how the body is seen) body. These findings may stimulate research aimed at improving positive body image in autistic populations. •Some positive body image (PBI) features were consistent with previous research.•PBI in autistic individuals is further defined as a sensory-based construct.•Social experiences (e.g., stigma) support and undermine autistic individuals’ PBI.•Findings suggest employing affirmative strategies to promote PBI in autistic adults.