Misinformation about autism has fueled stigma and negative stereotypes. From vaccine myths, parental blame, to paracetamol, autism misinformation has been commonplace for as long as the term ‘autistic’ has existed.

Many autistic people tell us that one of the toughest parts of being autistic is navigating a world where people don’t understand them. By knowing more about misinformation about autism, we can help tackle it. This will help promote greater understanding and acceptance of autistic people.

This project aims to identify the main themes that shape public attitudes towards autism. The information will inform our campaigns to promote a more inclusive society that embraces diversity, through better understanding and inclusion of autistic people.

We are reviewing existing research about autism to look at trends across several areas:

• Academic research literature
• Insights on how the neurodiversity movement has influenced the public’s understanding of autism
• Mainstream and social media, and the role they play in shaping attitudes
• Misinformation patterns about autism, and how they have changed over time
• Understanding how public health campaigns can shape or correct misinformation.

By understanding more about misinformation, we can help address it. Tackling misinformation can promote greater awareness, understanding, and ultimately acceptance of autistic people.

We’ll use the findings from this study to support our 2030 Goal to change attitudes towards autistic people.

[1] Autistica YouGov poll on public attitudes towards autism