Perceptions of autism in the Australian community: Changes over time / Linda GILMORE in Research in Autism, 132 (April 2026)  

Public ISBD [article]  inResearch in Autism > 132 (April 2026) . - 202845 Titre : Perceptions of autism in the Australian community: Changes over time Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Linda GILMORE, Auteur ; Brenda HUGHES, Auteur ; Edward SPILSBURY, Auteur ; Rion ADSETT, Auteur ; Balqis EL HANANDEH, Auteur Article en page(s) : 202845 Langues : Anglais (eng) Mots-clés : Autism  Community  Public  Perceptions  Attitudes  Longitudinal study Résumé : Background The prevalence and visibility of autism have increased in recent years. This study investigated community perceptions of autism over time. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with separate samples in the Australian community in 2004-2005 (n = 1229) and 2016–2020 (n = 1263). Participants were asked to report the first thing that came to mind when they thought about autism. Responses were coded using thematic analysis and compared using independent samples proportions group statistics. Chi-square tests identified differences according to demographics. Results Responses revealed an increase in knowledge about autism at the second time point, more indications of concern, greater understanding of the implications of autism for social functioning, more references to the uniqueness or quirkiness of autistic people, and greater awareness of the autistic spectrum. By contrast, responses in the earlier sample included more inaccurate facts, stereotyped features such as splinter skills, and media portrayals of autism. There were relatively few differences in perceptions according to participant gender, education, age and personal contact. Females were more likely to comment on communication difficulties. Participants with higher levels of education mentioned the autistic spectrum and social difficulties while those with lower education reported difficulties with learning or attention. Females and respondents who had personal contact with autistic people referred to quirky autistic characteristics. Conclusion Although the Australian community appears to have become more knowledgeable about autism and more supportive of autistic people over time, the persistence of some misconceptions highlights the ongoing need for targeted public education initiatives. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202845 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=583 [article] Perceptions of autism in the Australian community: Changes over time [texte imprimé] / Linda GILMORE, Auteur ; Brenda HUGHES, Auteur ; Edward SPILSBURY, Auteur ; Rion ADSETT, Auteur ; Balqis EL HANANDEH, Auteur . - 202845. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Research in Autism > 132 (April 2026) . - 202845 Mots-clés : Autism  Community  Public  Perceptions  Attitudes  Longitudinal study Résumé : Background The prevalence and visibility of autism have increased in recent years. This study investigated community perceptions of autism over time. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with separate samples in the Australian community in 2004-2005 (n = 1229) and 2016–2020 (n = 1263). Participants were asked to report the first thing that came to mind when they thought about autism. Responses were coded using thematic analysis and compared using independent samples proportions group statistics. Chi-square tests identified differences according to demographics. Results Responses revealed an increase in knowledge about autism at the second time point, more indications of concern, greater understanding of the implications of autism for social functioning, more references to the uniqueness or quirkiness of autistic people, and greater awareness of the autistic spectrum. By contrast, responses in the earlier sample included more inaccurate facts, stereotyped features such as splinter skills, and media portrayals of autism. There were relatively few differences in perceptions according to participant gender, education, age and personal contact. Females were more likely to comment on communication difficulties. Participants with higher levels of education mentioned the autistic spectrum and social difficulties while those with lower education reported difficulties with learning or attention. Females and respondents who had personal contact with autistic people referred to quirky autistic characteristics. Conclusion Although the Australian community appears to have become more knowledgeable about autism and more supportive of autistic people over time, the persistence of some misconceptions highlights the ongoing need for targeted public education initiatives. En ligne : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202845 Permalink : https://www.cra-rhone-alpes.org/cid/opac_css/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=583

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