Development of stigma-related support for autistic adults: Insights from the autism community

Many autistic adults experience public stigma, which refers to negative attitudes and treatment from others. Because of that, some autistic adults may also apply unhelpful beliefs to themselves, which is known as internalised stigma. There is some evidence that both public stigma and internalised stigma are linked to poorer mental health in autistic adults. Clearly, it is crucial to change how society thinks and acts towards autistic people. There are several programmes that are trying to do this. But as change can be slow, support may also be needed to help autistic people cope with and challenge stigma. Using an online survey, we gathered the views of 144 autistic adults and parents/caregivers of autistic people in the United Kingdom on whether a stigma support programme for autistic adults is needed and, if so, what it should 'look' like. Most participants felt it was important for autistic adults to have support in managing stigma because of the harmful effects that stigma has on mental health and the challenges that autistic adults face in disclosing their diagnosis. However, participants were also concerned that such a programme could convey the message that autistic people, rather than society, need to change. Participants suggested that the programme should be positive and practical, helping autistic adults to understand and accept themselves, as well as learn context-specific strategies for responding to stigma and/or disclosing their diagnosis. They also stressed that the programme should be flexible and inclusive, recognising that autistic adults have very different needs and preferences.