Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:42
A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Autism Stigma and Employment: A Scoping Review
Lacy M Poiencot1,2,3, Laura K Vogtle4,5, Ingrid Franc4,5
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Louisiana State University Health, New Orleans, LA, USA. lpoien@lsuhsc.edu.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Social stigma negatively impacts autistic adults
Area of Science:
- Neurodiversity and Employment
- Social Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Autistic adults face significant employment disparities compared to neurotypical individuals.
- Social stigma surrounding autism contributes to these employment challenges.
- Understanding the nuances of stigma is crucial for improving employment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of social stigma on the employment outcomes of autistic individuals.
- To explore the workplace experiences of autistic adults and employers regarding stigma.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of 14 qualitative studies from the past 10 years.
- Synthesis of perspectives from both autistic employees and employers.
- Identification of key themes related to workplace experiences and stigma.
Main Results:
- Stigma, rooted in misconceptions and non-inclusive cultures, leads to discrimination and limited opportunities.
- Autistic individuals experience challenges related to inclusive practices, fitting in, generalizations, and masking.
- Employers' perspectives highlight issues with inclusive practices, understanding autism, and attitudes towards disclosure.
Conclusions:
- A societal shift towards inclusive workplace practices is necessary.
- Community-level anti-stigmatization education is recommended.
- Workplace accommodations supporting all employees are crucial for improving employment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
02:16Stereotype Content Model
The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) was first proposed by Susan Fiske and her colleagues (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick & Xu, 2002; see also Fiske, 2012 and Fiske, 2017). The SCM specifies that when someone encounters a new group, they will stereotype them based on two metrics: warmth—or that group’s perceived intent, and how likely they are to provide help or inflict harm—and competence—or their ability to carry out that objective. Depending on the warmth-competence categorization, a person will feel...
01:27Halo Effect
The halo effect is a cognitive bias in which an individual's overall impression influences judgments about their specific traits. This psychological phenomenon leads people to associate positive characteristics with those they perceive as generally good and negative characteristics with those they view as bad. This effect is particularly influential in social perception, professional evaluations, and decision-making processes.The Psychological Basis of the Halo EffectThe halo effect is rooted...