Self-Concept in Autistic and ADHD Adults

About the research project

An increasing number of autistic and ADHD adults come to recognise their neurodivergence in late adolescence or adulthood (whether through a formal diagnosis or self identification), often after years of feeling "out of step" with peers, workplaces, and health-care systems that framed their differences as personal deficits. Emerging qualitative evidence suggests that this recognition can trigger profound shifts in self-understanding- sometimes liberating, sometimes destabilising- yet systematic knowledge about how adults redefine their self-concept remains sparse. This doctoral project addresses that gap by examining the processes, contexts, and outcomes of self-concept redefinition in late-recognised autistic and/or ADHD adults.

Guided by a neuroaffirming lens and theories of identity development, the project involves four studies:

• Study 1 will systematically search for and critically appraise existing quantitative measures of identity and self-concept for neurodivergent groups using the COSMIN framework, identifying instruments suitable for research and clinical use. 
• Study 2 will employ in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 30 late-recognised adults to explore lived experiences of self-concept change within this cohort. The study will align with the COREQ framework and results will be analysed thematically. 
• Study 3 will develop and psychometrically validate a new Self-Concept Redefinition Scale (SCDS) tailored to neurodivergent adults. An international survey sample (≈350 participants) will complete the draft SCDS alongside measures of camouflaging, wellbeing, and time since diagnosis/identification; exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability testing, and construct validation will establish the scale's structure, psychometric soundness, and clinical utility. 
• Study 4 will translate findings into practice by co-designing an identity reflection tool with a lived-experience advisory panel to support newly identified adults and the professionals who work with them.

Outcomes will advance theoretical understanding of neurodivergent identity trajectories, validate or refine measurement tools, and deliver an evidence-informed resource that can be freely disseminated through professional networks.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Elly Quinlan

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master by Research)
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Individuals with living experience as a neurodivergent person and/or professional or personal experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and communities are encouraged to apply

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Elly Quinlan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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