Influencing Perception About Children with Autism and their Parents Using Disclosure Cards

Parents of children with autism often report feeling judged and are increasingly using disclosure cards to reduce negative perceptions. However, no empirical research has been conducted on the effectiveness of these cards. The present study used vignettes of a parent-child interaction in which the child was misbehaving and investigated the efficacy on 160 parents' perceptions. A unique survey was developed with two factors (Maternal Skill Deficit and Negative Reaction) and a single item (Sympathy for Mother). Those who received the disclosure card reported significantly lower Maternal Skill Deficit and Negative Reaction to the Dyad and no difference in Sympathy for the Mother. These results provide preliminary validation for the use of autism disclosure cards in buffering negative judgment.