Affective Contact in Autism: A Phenomenological Study of Emotional Experiences in Autistic Adults

This qualitative study of 24 autistic adults aged 18-35 reveals that autistic people experience complex, diverse, and intense emotions that are often misunderstood or mismeasured by others. The findings suggest occupational therapists should recognize the emotional dimension of occupation and use embodied language when working with autistic clients to improve therapeutic connection.