Research Symposium

BIO

Alexandra Wallace is an aspiring speech-language pathologist with a passion for autism and social development. She is presenting her Honors in the Major Project, An Exploration of Friendship in Autistic Adolescents, under the mentorship of Dr. Therrien. Her research focuses on understanding the unique social experiences of autistic adolescents and ways to support meaningful peer relationships.

As she approaches graduation, Alexandra is eager to expand her knowledge in communication sciences, particularly in autism and social communication. She is dedicated to helping individuals with communication challenges build connections and thrive socially. She will attend Florida State University to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. At FSU, she looks forward to advanced clinical training and research opportunities that will enhance her ability to support individuals with autism and other communication disorders.

Beyond academics, Alexandra is passionate about advocacy and education, striving to increase awareness and understanding of autism. She hopes to make a lasting impact by implementing evidence-based strategies that foster social success. With a commitment to empowering individuals through communication, she is excited to contribute to the field of speech-language pathology and make a difference in the lives of those she serves.

An Exploration of Friendship in Autistic Adolescents

Abstract

Autistic adolescents, particularly females, often face unique challenges in forming and maintaining friendships due to difficulties in social communication and interaction. Traditional views of ASD suggest that individuals with the disorder lack the desire or capacity for friendships, but recent research has challenged this assumption, highlighting that while these adolescents may desire friendships, they often struggle to navigate social dynamics due to communication deficits and social barriers. This research seeks to explore the lived experiences of female adolescents with ASD, emphasizing how they define and experience friendship. By conducting unstructured interviews with 2 female adolescents aged 13-17, this research aims to provide insight into their perceptions of friendship, the qualities they seek in friends, and the challenges they face in fostering meaningful peer relationships.

Keywords: autism, friendship, females