Development and Initial Validation of the Autism and Neurodiversity Attitudes Scale
Rachel A VanDaalen1, Frank R Dillon2, Carlos E Santos3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Autism in Adulthood
|March 28, 2025
Summary
This study developed a new scale to measure neurodiversity beliefs about autism. Autistic adults showed higher endorsement of neurodiversity principles, supporting its use in research and promoting understanding.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- The neurodiversity movement reframes neurological differences, such as autism, as natural human variations integral to identity.
- This perspective is rooted in autistic self-advocacy and challenges traditional views of disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a scale measuring endorsement of neurodiversity beliefs concerning autism.
- To assess these beliefs in both autistic and non-autistic adults.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on diverse adult samples (N=249, N=259).
- A 17-item, second-order, three-factor model was developed and validated.
Main Results:
- The validated scale has three factors: Autism Anti-Stigma, Autism Permanence, and Autism as Difference.
- Neurodiversity endorsement correlated positively with sociopolitical engagement and negatively with ableism.
- Autistic adults reported higher neurodiversity endorsement than non-autistic adults.
Conclusions:
- The scale demonstrates reliability and validity, aligning with the neurodiversity movement's origins and autistic perspectives.
- Researchers can use the scale to assess neurodiversity-affirming attitudes or autism-related stigma.
- The scale aids research on autistic well-being, support systems, and self-understanding for autistic individuals and allies.
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