Understanding profound autism: implications for stigma and supports

• Autores: Clarke, Elaine B.; McCauley, James B.; Lutz, Amy; Gotelli, Marina María; Sheinkopf, Stephen J.; Lord, Catherine
• Año de publicación: 2024
• Idioma: inglés
• Tipo de recurso: artículo
• Materia: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER; PROFOUND AUTISM; STIGMA AND AWARENESS; PREVALENCE; MIXED METHOD; AUTISTIC ADULTS; QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW ANALYSIS
• Institución: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas

Introduction: Societal perceptions and lack of understanding of autism spectrum disorder can be stigmatizing for autistic individuals and their families. This may be particularly the case for individuals who meet criteria for profound autism. Despite the considerable service needs of this marginalized group, there is little data on the prevalence of profound autism, nor on the experiences of those with profound autism and their families.Methods: The current study leveraged a mixed-methods approach to address these gaps. First, the prevalence of profound autism was examined in six samples—three from the United States and three from Western Europe. Second, inductive thematic analysis was used to code interviews from 20 caregivers of profoundly autistic adults.Results: The prevalence of profound autism varied widely across the six samples—from 11% to 48%. There were also notable differences between samples in prevalence by gender, race, and ethnicity. Two overarching themes were identified via inductive thematic analysis: Community Perceptions of Autism and Family Support Needs and Advocacy Challenges. Though caregivers were not directly asked about stigmatization during interviews, 85% of caregivers reported at least one instance of perceived stigma.Discussion: Future research should continue to examine the unique needs and stigmatization experiences of profoundly autistic individuals and their families across the life course.
Fil: Clarke, Elaine B.. University of California at Los Angeles; Estados Unidos
Fil: McCauley, James B.. St. Mary's College Of California; Estados Unidos
Fil: Lutz, Amy. University of Pennsylvania; Estados Unidos
Fil: Gotelli, Marina María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Fundación Brincar por un Autismo Feliz; Argentina
Fil: Sheinkopf, Stephen J.. University of Missouri; Estados Unidos
Fil: Lord, Catherine. University of California at Los Angeles; Estados Unidos