Brooke Berndtson: Cross-Cultural Transitions, Adaptation & Identity in Autistic Third Culture Kids

In this episode we speak with Brooke Berndtson, Student Success Coordinator and Academic Advisor at Parsons Paris - The New School. She presents her recently completed masters thesis entitled Foreign in Any Society: Cross-Cultural Transition, Adaptation & Identity in Autistic
Third Culture Kids

Abstract:
International migration is on the rise and so are rates of Autism Spectrum Conditions. Third Culture Kids are known for their high international mobility during childhood and multicultural adaptability. Autistic children are known for their social communication difficulties and resistance to change. This raises questions about how autistic Third Culture Kids navigate multiple migrations to different countries and cultures throughout their developmental years. Currently, no research exists on this seemingly paradoxical population. The objectives of this study were to explore the lived experiences of autistic Third Culture Kids, focusing on how cross-cultural transitions and adaptation during their
developmental years (0-18) influenced the development of their identity and well-being. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with autistic TCKs (n=6) to collect detailed contextual data, which was analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes were derived from the IPA analysis. “Cultural camouflage” explores the various ways that culture hid or overshadowed autistic traits. “Destabilizing transitions” captures the sensory, social, and identity challenges of cross-cultural transition. “Coping and collapse” illustrates how coping with adaptive demands through special interests and masking can help or harm mental health. “Late diagnosis: grief, acceptance, and healing” describes how participants make sense of their pre- and post- diagnosis experiences as TCKs. Finally, “Autistic TCK advantages” addresses the perceived advantages of being autistic and TCK. Participant accounts highlight the ways that culture complicated identification of autism, leaving them to cope with the challenges of cross-cultural transitions without knowledge of who they were or why they were struggling. Diagnosis allowed for self-reflection and a reframing of past experiences, allowing for healing, self-acceptance and improved self-care. Autistic TCKs defy autistic stereotypes, viewing their autistic and TCK identities as interactive and positive. The study provides a greater understanding of barriers to diagnosis within this unique community and recommends development of culturally sensitive autism assessment and
interventions that support well-being in autistic TCKs.

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