Autism Stigma in Schools as Lived Experience

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Also known as ASD) is described by The National Institute of Mental Health as a “neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave” (NIMH, 2024). This disorder has made those who have it labeled, isolated and excluded from social circles, as well having systematic problems within institutions. The Stigma surrounding those with ASD has been something that has been plaguing people with the disorder for many years now, with adults being affected during their formative years, during K-12 primary schools.

The questions this research poses are the following: What stereotypes did the participants perceive from educators and peers? How did an autism label affect how they were treated? How did teachers and peers create a distance between themselves and the person (such as avoidance and seclusion)?  These are questions that must be answered to take a step to help figure out what the main sources of possible stigma towards those with autism are.

This proposal will ideally be done via anonymous online survey. It would ideally be sent out to online autism communities, disability advocacy networks as well as through social media posts. Measurements would include perceived stereotypes, social distancing, labeling, consequences of disclosure, institutional practices (such as discipline, accommodations and placement) and several open-ended prompts. 30 items and 3 open-ended questions would ideally be used in the survey.