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

Researchers asked 144 autistic adults and families in the UK about creating support programmes to help autistic adults deal with stigma and negative attitudes from others. Most people thought these programmes were important because stigma hurts mental health. However, they worried programmes might suggest autistic people need to change instead of society. They wanted programmes that are positive, practical, help with self-acceptance, and teach strategies for handling different situations.

This UK survey study explored perspectives of 144 autistic adults and caregivers on developing stigma support programmes. Participants acknowledged the harmful effects of both public stigma (negative attitudes from others) and internalised stigma (self-directed negative beliefs) on mental health outcomes in autistic adults. While most agreed stigma support programmes are needed, concerns were raised about potentially placing responsibility for change on autistic individuals rather than society. Recommended programme features included positive, practical approaches focusing on self-understanding, acceptance, context-specific strategies for managing stigma and diagnosis disclosure, with flexible delivery recognising diverse individual needs and preferences.

Findings suggest need for stigma-focused interventions in autism services. Programmes should emphasise self-acceptance and practical coping strategies while avoiding blame. Flexible, individualised approaches recommended. Mental health professionals should consider stigma's impact when supporting autistic adults and incorporate community preferences into intervention design.

Survey methodology with unclear recruitment strategy. UK-specific sample may limit generalisability to Australian context. No details provided on response rates or demographic characteristics. Study type and specific methodology not clearly described in available information.

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.