Knowledge is not power, after all? Knowledge about autism and its associations with self-stigma, cognitive fusion, and distress among parents of children on the autism spectrum / Anna PYSZKOWSKA in Research in Autism, 131 (March 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 131 (March 2026) . - 202811 Titre : Knowledge is not power, after all? Knowledge about autism and its associations with self-stigma, cognitive fusion, and distress among parents of children on the autism spectrum Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Paulina BUREK, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur Article en page(s) : 202811 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Knowledge about autism  Parents of children with ASD  Self-stigma  Cognitive fusion  Social support  Distress Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience distress, diminished social support, and are at risk of stigmatization that can lead to the internalization of public stigma in the form of self-stigma. The role of cognitive fusion in maintaining negative symptoms has been proposed. Little is known about the role of knowledge about autism in preventing self-stigma and distress. The aim of this study was to determine a) relationships between knowledge about the autism spectrum and self-stigma, distress, cognitive fusion, and social support and b) the level of knowledge about ASD among parents of children with ASD in Poland. A path model of potential associations was proposed. Methods The study was cross-sectional and used the following measurements: Autism Knowledge Scale-General, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, Self-Stigma in Relatives of People with Mental Illness Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. 222 parents of children on the autism spectrum participated in the study (Mage = 38.93, SDage = 6.66), including 182 females. Results The research showed that Polish parents of children with ASD exhibited extensive knowledge about autistic symptoms, although they provided mixed responses regarding topics under scientific (e.g., rates of ASD among females) or public (e.g., autism in adulthood) debate. PLS-SEM analysis revealed that knowledge about autism was a significant predictor of cognitive fusion, social support, and self-stigma that, in turn, predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions The results suggest that knowledge about autism can be beneficial (e.g., allowing for seeking social support) and causing one’s suffering (e.g., enhancing distress). Therefore, developing defusion and establishing one’s motivations for acquiring knowledge about ASD is essential in clinical practice when working with parents of children with ASD. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202811 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=581 [article] Knowledge is not power, after all? Knowledge about autism and its associations with self-stigma, cognitive fusion, and distress among parents of children on the autism spectrum [texte imprimé] / Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Paulina BUREK, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur . - 202811. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 131 (March 2026) . - 202811 Mots-clés : Knowledge about autism  Parents of children with ASD  Self-stigma  Cognitive fusion  Social support  Distress Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience distress, diminished social support, and are at risk of stigmatization that can lead to the internalization of public stigma in the form of self-stigma. The role of cognitive fusion in maintaining negative symptoms has been proposed. Little is known about the role of knowledge about autism in preventing self-stigma and distress. The aim of this study was to determine a) relationships between knowledge about the autism spectrum and self-stigma, distress, cognitive fusion, and social support and b) the level of knowledge about ASD among parents of children with ASD in Poland. A path model of potential associations was proposed. Methods The study was cross-sectional and used the following measurements: Autism Knowledge Scale-General, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, Self-Stigma in Relatives of People with Mental Illness Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. 222 parents of children on the autism spectrum participated in the study (Mage = 38.93, SDage = 6.66), including 182 females. Results The research showed that Polish parents of children with ASD exhibited extensive knowledge about autistic symptoms, although they provided mixed responses regarding topics under scientific (e.g., rates of ASD among females) or public (e.g., autism in adulthood) debate. PLS-SEM analysis revealed that knowledge about autism was a significant predictor of cognitive fusion, social support, and self-stigma that, in turn, predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions The results suggest that knowledge about autism can be beneficial (e.g., allowing for seeking social support) and causing one’s suffering (e.g., enhancing distress). Therefore, developing defusion and establishing one’s motivations for acquiring knowledge about ASD is essential in clinical practice when working with parents of children with ASD. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202811 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=581

Loud and proud: Collective self-esteem is negatively associated with internalized stigma and minority stress. A mixed methods study of intersectional stigma among queer autistic adults from Poland / Anna PYSZKOWSKA in Research in Autism, 130 (February 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 130 (February 2026) . - p.202781 Titre : Loud and proud: Collective self-esteem is negatively associated with internalized stigma and minority stress. A mixed methods study of intersectional stigma among queer autistic adults from Poland Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur Article en page(s) : p.202781 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Queer  Intersectional stigma  Collective self-esteem  Minority stress  Internalized stigma Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Previous research shows a significant prevalence of autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or queer when compared to neurotypical peers. Both these populations may experience discrimination and stigma; therefore, autistic members of the LGBTQ+ community may experience intersectional stigma (having multiple marginalized identities) or invisibility (being omitted from the discourse). However, being a part of a minority group may lead to developing collective self-esteem, including pride and acceptance. Additionally, using symbols may be a significant communication tool among autistic individuals. The current study aimed to identify: 1) quantitative links between intersectional stigma (queer minority stress and internalized autism stigma), social camouflaging, collective self-esteem, and life satisfaction, and 2) qualitative themes regarding wearing visible queer symbols in an adult LGBTQ+ autistic population from Poland. One hundred thirty-four persons (including 59.70 % women) participated in the study, consisting of seven quantitative measurements and nine open-ended questions. Autism-related internalized stigma and queer minority stress exhibited significant associations, while life satisfaction was correlated with diminished internalized stigma and minority stress, higher collective self-esteem, and stigma resistance. 42.53 % of the respondents declared wearing visible queer symbols in public and answered open-ended questions that were thematically analyzed. Five themes were developed to capture their experiences, e.g., positive and negative aspects, symbols as social signaling, and community building. Lived experiences highlighted the significance of signaling one’s queer identity to their self-esteem, sense of pride, and as a tool for social communication. These qualitative results align with quantitative ones, deepening our understanding of queer autistic community. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202781 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=579 [article] Loud and proud: Collective self-esteem is negatively associated with internalized stigma and minority stress. A mixed methods study of intersectional stigma among queer autistic adults from Poland [texte imprimé] / Anna PYSZKOWSKA, Auteur ; Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur . - p.202781. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 130 (February 2026) . - p.202781 Mots-clés : Autism  Queer  Intersectional stigma  Collective self-esteem  Minority stress  Internalized stigma Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Previous research shows a significant prevalence of autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or queer when compared to neurotypical peers. Both these populations may experience discrimination and stigma; therefore, autistic members of the LGBTQ+ community may experience intersectional stigma (having multiple marginalized identities) or invisibility (being omitted from the discourse). However, being a part of a minority group may lead to developing collective self-esteem, including pride and acceptance. Additionally, using symbols may be a significant communication tool among autistic individuals. The current study aimed to identify: 1) quantitative links between intersectional stigma (queer minority stress and internalized autism stigma), social camouflaging, collective self-esteem, and life satisfaction, and 2) qualitative themes regarding wearing visible queer symbols in an adult LGBTQ+ autistic population from Poland. One hundred thirty-four persons (including 59.70 % women) participated in the study, consisting of seven quantitative measurements and nine open-ended questions. Autism-related internalized stigma and queer minority stress exhibited significant associations, while life satisfaction was correlated with diminished internalized stigma and minority stress, higher collective self-esteem, and stigma resistance. 42.53 % of the respondents declared wearing visible queer symbols in public and answered open-ended questions that were thematically analyzed. Five themes were developed to capture their experiences, e.g., positive and negative aspects, symbols as social signaling, and community building. Lived experiences highlighted the significance of signaling one’s queer identity to their self-esteem, sense of pride, and as a tool for social communication. These qualitative results align with quantitative ones, deepening our understanding of queer autistic community. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202781 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=579

The two-edged sword of playing a role in daily life: Social camouflaging among adults on the autism spectrum. A thematic analysis / Ari NOWACKI ; Franciszek STEFANEK in Research in Autism, 124 (June 2025)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 124 (June 2025) . - 202597 Titre : The two-edged sword of playing a role in daily life: Social camouflaging among adults on the autism spectrum. A thematic analysis Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur Article en page(s) : 202597 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Camouflaging  Overload  Masking  Mimicking  Identity  Self-care Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Social camouflaging, exhibited by masking or mimicking others, is an autistic individual?s strategy to blend into an environment, often deriving from motivations to "pass" as non-autistic. Many autistic individuals declare camouflaging as source of positive social outcomes and negative internal reactions (e.g., exhaustion, identity confusion). The current study focused on camouflaging?s consequences on one?s biopsychosocial well-being as the research in this area is scarce. Methods The research was conducted based on a qualitative interview, consisting of four thematic areas (imitation, playing a role, sensory overload, internal resources). Participants were enrolled online through groups and neurodivergent communities in Poland, and stationary mental health facilities. 152 adult autistic individuals participated in the study (including 112 women). The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis method, allowing the participants to describe their lived experiences. Results Thematic analysis revealed four recurring themes regarding camouflaging experiences: 1) "camouflage as social blessing", 2) "camouflage as a reason for self-care", 3) "camouflage as a barrier", 4) "camouflage as pushing boundaries". Conclusions The findings suggest a dualistic approach to camouflaging, considered as a two-edged sword: it was reported as helpful in developing a positive image among peers and navigating in a non-autistic world, but also was costly and exhausting, often resulting in diminished self-understanding and internalized stigma. These results may be beneficial in clinical practice as studying functions of camouflaging - not the behavior per se - would allow for its better understanding and help in choosing most adaptive strategies while conducting psychoeducation in this area, including self-care strategies. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202597 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=556 [article] The two-edged sword of playing a role in daily life: Social camouflaging among adults on the autism spectrum. A thematic analysis [texte imprimé] / Ari NOWACKI, Auteur ; Franciszek STEFANEK, Auteur . - 202597. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 124 (June 2025) . - 202597 Mots-clés : Camouflaging  Overload  Masking  Mimicking  Identity  Self-care Index. décimale : PER Périodiques Résumé : Background Social camouflaging, exhibited by masking or mimicking others, is an autistic individual?s strategy to blend into an environment, often deriving from motivations to "pass" as non-autistic. Many autistic individuals declare camouflaging as source of positive social outcomes and negative internal reactions (e.g., exhaustion, identity confusion). The current study focused on camouflaging?s consequences on one?s biopsychosocial well-being as the research in this area is scarce. Methods The research was conducted based on a qualitative interview, consisting of four thematic areas (imitation, playing a role, sensory overload, internal resources). Participants were enrolled online through groups and neurodivergent communities in Poland, and stationary mental health facilities. 152 adult autistic individuals participated in the study (including 112 women). The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis method, allowing the participants to describe their lived experiences. Results Thematic analysis revealed four recurring themes regarding camouflaging experiences: 1) "camouflage as social blessing", 2) "camouflage as a reason for self-care", 3) "camouflage as a barrier", 4) "camouflage as pushing boundaries". Conclusions The findings suggest a dualistic approach to camouflaging, considered as a two-edged sword: it was reported as helpful in developing a positive image among peers and navigating in a non-autistic world, but also was costly and exhausting, often resulting in diminished self-understanding and internalized stigma. These results may be beneficial in clinical practice as studying functions of camouflaging - not the behavior per se - would allow for its better understanding and help in choosing most adaptive strategies while conducting psychoeducation in this area, including self-care strategies. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202597 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=556

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