Date of Conferral

9-5-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Magy Martin

Abstract

The Impact of Social Support on Camouflaging Behaviors Among Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Protective and Risk Factors by Mofoluwakemi Omololu Johnson MSW, University of Ibadan, 2007 BSc, University of Ilorin, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University August 2025   Camouflaging strategies used by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to mask or compensate for autistic traits are often linked to adverse mental health out-comes. This quantitative correlational study investigated the relationship between perceived social support and camouflaging behaviors in young adults with autism. Grounded in social identity theory and the double empathy problem, the study ad-dressed three research questions: (a) the relationship between perceived social sup-port and the extent of camouflaging, (b) how support from different sources (family, friends, significant others) influences frequency and intensity, and (c) the extent to which perceived support predicts specific camouflaging strategies (masking, com-pensating, assimilating). Participants (ages 18–30; N = [100]) completed the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results indicated that higher levels of social support, especially from family, were associated with reduced camouflaging behaviors. These findings suggest that meaningful social connections may buffer against the psycho-logical costs of camouflaging and underscore the need for inclusive, affirming envi-ronments for autistic individuals. Implications for mental health practitioners, educa-tors, and policymakers are discussed, with recommendations for neurodiversity-affirming interventions and future research.

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