Understanding Stigma in Autism: A Narrative Review and Theoretical Model

Abstract

The experience of stigma by autistic people is relatively understudied, despite contributing to a range of poor outcomes and having an overarching impact on wellbeing. The current review of the literature synthesises research to determine what is currently known and presents a theoretical model of autism stigma. Autism stigma is primarily influenced by public and professional understanding of autism in combination with interpretation of visible autistic traits. Moderating factors include the quality and quantity of contact with autistic people, cultural factors, sex and gender, individual differences, and diagnostic disclosure. Stigma can reduce wellbeing as well as increase the presence of camouflaging behaviours, which mask autistic traits. Caregivers of autistic people can experience stigma by association, i.e. affiliate stigma, which can impact their own wellbeing. A variety of interventions and approaches to reduce stigma are discussed, including 'autism friendly' spaces, positive media representation, educational and psychosocial training for the public and professionals, as well as cultural and systemic shifts that foster inclusivity and recognise neurodiversity.

“Work WITH us”: a Delphi study about improving eating disorder treatment for autistic women with anorexia nervosa

“…The current study included experts from across the UK, USA, and Canada, enabling wider generalisation than a country-specific project. However, it is unclear to what extent the recommendations would be endorsed in other countries, particularly those where understanding of autism is less progressed [ 59 ]. As Delphi studies involve storing data across multiple rounds, the researchers collected minimal data about each expert (years of experience) to preserve participants’ anonymity.…”

The Components of Interpersonal Synchrony in the Typical Population and in Autism: A Conceptual Analysis

“…For example, non-autistic people may lack understanding of autistic social behaviour, which may precipitate reduced IS when autistic and non-autistic people interact. Non-autistic people may hold stereotypical assumptions about autistic people and their behaviour, for example, characterising autistic people as unfriendly or odd, or assuming that averted social gaze connotes a lack of social interest ( Turnock et al, 2022 ). Such preconceptions may reduce their inclination to forge a social connection with autistic social partners ( Sasson et al, 2017 ), leading to reduced IS within mixed dyads.…”

“Peas in a pod”: Oral History Reflections on Autistic Identity in Family and Community by Late-Diagnosed Adults

“…In these ways, our late-diagnosed interviewees felt they did not always match people’s pre-existing stereotypes of what an autistic person is capable of or behaves like (Leedham et al, 2020 ). Diagnostic scepticism or rejection by family members and partners may be partially motivated by an effort to avoid affiliate, or courtesy, stigma (Turnock et al, 2022 ). It may also be that a late diagnosis of autism substantially disrupts the ways in which consociates have previously thought about, and related to, an individual, making them resistant to reframing their perspective on that person.…”