Community Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Date
2015-05
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
As rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continue to rise, we will see an influx of adults with ASD who are looking for housing, jobs, and access to recreational activities. Currently, we know little about how adults on the spectrum will be received by other community members when encountered in these types of community settings. Most importantly, we do not know what types of experiences lead to a more positive public attitude. The data was collected using a cross-sectional design through an in-person survey. The survey gathered information on demographics, personal experience with people with ASD, knowledge about ASD, and comfortability in response to video clips showing individuals with autistic behaviors. 88 adults (average age of 37) participated, 74 of which had heard of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Average comfortability was rated as a 6.8 on a scale of 0-10, ranging from very uncomfortable, to very comfortable. It was found that knowledge had no relationship with attitude, while personal experience did (correlation 32%, p=.003). This study shows us that there is room to improve the community’s attitude towards adults with ASD, and provides guidance for future interventions designed to positively increase the public’s attitudes.
Description
The present thesis earned a third place award at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum in the category of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
The present thesis earned the first annual Outstanding Honors Thesis award from the College of Social Work.
The present thesis earned the first annual Outstanding Honors Thesis award from the College of Social Work.
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Community Attitudes, Knowledge, Personal Experience, Adults with Autism, Community Inclusion