Perceived Changes Before and After Diagnosis in Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study Based on Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perceptions of women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)  regarding the changes experienced before and after diagnosis, using Callista Roy’s  Adaptation Model in the Tarapacá Region.

Methodology: A qualitative pragmatic study with a descriptive design was conducted. A  pragmatic sample was obtained through snowball sampling, comprising eight adult women  diagnosed with ASD. Participants were recruited through two social organizations: TEA  MÁS and Centro Autismo Iquique. Inclusion criteria were applied to select the participants.  Data were collected using a semi-structured interview developed by the researchers, aligned  with the study objectives, and reviewed by three experts. Roy’s Adaptation Model was  employed to analyze how women adapt to everyday roles.

Results: Prior to diagnosis, participants reported persistent feelings of misunderstanding and  difference from others, often forcing themselves to conform to social norms. Following diagnosis, they described a re-signification of their personal histories, characterized by relief,  validation, and heightened emotional awareness. Identified coping strategies included  sensory self-care, emotional regulation, role redefinition, and seeking social support.

Conclusions: According to Roy’s Adaptation Model, women with ASD undergo continuous  adaptive processes in response to multiple environmental stimuli. Diagnosis functioned as a  contextual trigger that self-perception and fostered adaptive responses across  physiological, psychological, relational, and role domains. These strategies not only  alleviated distress but also enabled participants to inhabit their identities with greater  awareness and authenticity.

This study demonstrates the applicability of Roy’s model for understanding neurodivergent  experiences and highlights the need for more empathetic and informed environments that  recognize and value neurological diversity.