Phelps, Helen Alisa (2002) Investigating illness and bereavement in young people with autistic spectrum disorder. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Alexithymia is a personality trait that has been linked with a variety of health problems, especially with somatic complaints. It is characterised by a number of difficulties including identifying and describing feelings (Loas et al, 2001). Studies looking at the link between alexithymia and illness have mainly focused on adults however research exploring children’s levels of alexithymia have recently commenced due to the design a couple of assessment tools made specifically for children.

Research suggests (Hobson, 1996), that children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with emotional skill. No studies however could be found that looked at the relationship between alexithymia and this group of children. The literature review sought to explore the possibility that alexithymia and ASD might be linked and discusses the implications for children with ASD regarding their health if this is found to be the case.

The main paper goes on to explore children with ASD’s understanding and experience of illness, taking a parents’ perspective. Themes emerged covering the 3 broad domains of understanding illness, differences in expression of illness / pain and awareness that their child was unwell. This links in with the alexithymia literature, as children with ASD sometimes found it difficult to identify when they are unwell and had difficulty expressing themselves also some parents felt that their child expressed their distress through ill health

Further to this study parents of children with ASD were asked about their child’s understanding and experience of bereavement as this was also thought to be a complex concept for children who have difficulties with emotional skill. This was found to be the case, with children appearing to understand bereavement on an intellectual level but finding it more difficult to understand emotionally.

This study has a number of implications concerning health care and bereavement support for children with ASD.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Alexithymia, Children with autism spectrum disorders, Bereavement in children
Official Date:	2002
Dates:	Date Event 2002 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Knight, Eve ; Elliott, Julie
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	142 pages
Language:	eng

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