SUBJECTIVITY IN ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: EXPERIENCES AND MEANINGS

Abstract

This integrative review examines how subjectivity in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been conceptualized and studied in recent scientific literature. Searches in SciELO, ERIC and LILACS (2020–2025) yielded six eligible qualitative studies addressing sensory experiences, pain perception, eating in social contexts, hoarding and self-injurious behaviors, employment and transitions to higher education and work. Findings indicate that adult autistic subjectivity is complex and shaped by sensory, emotional, identity-related and sociocultural factors. Stigma, masking strategies, lack of institutional support and attitudinal barriers significantly affect well-being and social participation. The review highlights the limits of a solely biomedical perspective and calls for approaches that center lived meanings, social contexts and the voices of autistic adults. Research gaps include few studies with adult samples, limited geographic diversity and scarce longitudinal and participatory designs.