Précis of First Impressions of Adults with Autism Improve with Diagnostic Disclosure and Increased Autism Knowledge of Peers by Sasson & Morrison
Summary:
Sasson and Morrison examine how first impressions of autistic adults change based on whether their diagnosis is disclosed. Using video recordings of autistic and neurotypical adults, they assess how 215 typically developing (TD) observers form first impressions when the diagnostic status of participants is either withheld, accurately labeled as autistic, inaccurately labeled as neurotypical, or mislabeled as having schizophrenia. Findings indicate that autistic adults generally receive less favorable first impressions, but these impressions improve when their diagnosis is disclosed. Additionally, observers with greater autism knowledge provide more positive ratings. The study highlights the bidirectional nature of social difficulties in autism, emphasizing the importance of increasing autism awareness among the general public.
Key Findings:
1. Negative First Impressions of Autistic Individuals:
Autistic participants were rated lower in likability, attractiveness, and social approachability compared to neurotypical participants.
First impressions improved when the autistic label was accurately provided.
2. Impact of Diagnostic Disclosure:
Observers rated autistic individuals more favorably when explicitly informed of their diagnosis.
Mislabeling autistic individuals as neurotypical or as having schizophrenia resulted in less favorable ratings.
3. Role of Autism Knowledge:
Observers with higher autism knowledge provided more positive ratings, suggesting that awareness reduces negative biases.
4. Implications for Social Interactions:
Diagnostic disclosure may help autistic individuals receive more positive initial evaluations, potentially improving social and professional opportunities.
The study supports a social-relational model of autism, advocating for greater education on autism to improve societal perceptions.
Implications:
These findings suggest that increasing autism awareness and encouraging diagnostic disclosure in certain contexts could help mitigate negative biases toward autistic individuals. However, the study also highlights persistent social barriers that contribute to difficulties in forming connections, underscoring the need for broader systemic change in social attitudes.
Citation (APA):
Sasson, N. J., & Morrison, K. E. (2017). First impressions of adults with autism improve with diagnostic disclosure and increased autism knowledge of peers. Autism. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361317729526
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