Date of Award

Fall 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Psychology

Director of Thesis

Dr. Sarah Edmunds

Second Reader

Dr. Rebecca Smith-Hill

Abstract

Emotion regulation (ER) is a critical developmental milestone and is often delayed or more difficult for autistic children. Publicly available resources for birth-5-year-olds with autism could benefit significantly by integrating the values of and information provided by autistic adults. However, existing resources may have poor accessibility, acceptability, and feasibility according to different groups within the autism community, creating a significant gap in effective support. This mixed-methods study investigated ER experiences, resource knowledge, and resource desire among autistic adults (N=4; Stage 1) and caregivers of young autistic children (N=4; Stage 2) to inform the development of acceptable ER supports. In Stage 1, autistic adults participated in a focus group with photo elicitation elements, completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), ranked specific ER supports, and drew their “ideal ER resource.” In Stage 2, caregivers of autistic children completed semi-structured interviews with photo elicitation elements, the appropriate Emotion Dysregulation Inventory (EDI/EDI-YC) for their children’s ages, the Newest Vital Score (NVS), two attributes of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and drew their ideal ER resource. Together, the findings revealed that autistic adults struggle with various aspects of emotion regulation, often having to find support themselves, and reject traditional resources as non-affirming, while caregivers struggle to manage overwhelming care demands leading them to adjust to unsustainable or reactionary behavior management. This study concluded that the failure to support ER across the lifespan of autistic individuals may be a systemic issue requiring co-designed, neurodiversity-affirming resources that prioritize somatic strategies and the acceptability, accessibility, and feasibility of resources for young autistic children.

First Page

1

Last Page

174

Rights

© 2025, Sarai E. Deese

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