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Super-ordinate themes and sub-themes.
| Super-ordinate themes | Sub-themes |
|---|---|
| Disconnect between the autistic self and experience of societal expectations | The burden of conformity |
| Autism is misunderstood | |
| Social challenges | |
| Mental health impact | |
| Unmasking: the process of self-understanding | Autonomy and self-compassion |
| Validation and grief | |
| Impact on relationships | Diagnosis disclosure dilemmas |
| Connection and understanding |
