Introduction
Autistic people often face social challenges and negative stereotypes from neurotypical people, which can affect their well-being and opportunities. One way to improve the attitudes of neurotypical people toward autistic people is to increase their contact and interactions with them. However, this is not always feasible or desirable for various reasons. Therefore, researchers have explored the effects of simulated or imagined contact, which involves imagining a positive and realistic scenario with a person from a different group.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, researchers Lydia F. Bierce, Cheryl L. Dickter and Joshua A. Burk investigated how simulating contact with an autistic person can influence the attitudes of neurotypical people. They also examined whether the gender of the autistic person and the anxiety of the neurotypical person play a role in this process.
The Study
The researchers recruited 194 neurotypical undergraduate students and randomly assigned them to one of eight conditions. In each condition, the participants were asked to imagine a scenario where they met a new classmate and had a conversation with them. The classmate was either labeled as autistic or not, exhibited stereotypical autistic behaviors or not, and had a female-identifying or male-identifying name. The participants then completed questionnaires that measured their attitudes toward autism, their previous contact with autistic people and their intergroup anxiety, which is the fear or discomfort of interacting with people from a different group.
The Findings
The researchers found that simulating contact with an autistic person who exhibited stereotypical behaviors improved the attitudes of neurotypical people, but only when the autistic person had a male-identifying name. When the autistic person had a female-identifying name, the attitudes of neurotypical people did not change significantly. The researchers suggested that this might be because female autistic people are less visible and recognized than male autistic people, and therefore do not fit the typical image of autism.
The researchers also found that intergroup anxiety mediated the effects of simulated contact on attitudes. This means that simulating contact with an autistic person reduced the anxiety of neurotypical people, which in turn improved their attitudes. This is consistent with previous research that showed that intergroup anxiety is a key factor in shaping intergroup relations.
The Implications
The study has several implications for improving the social outcomes of autistic people. First, it shows that simulating contact can be an effective way to enhance the attitudes of neurotypical people toward autistic people, especially when the autistic person is male-identifying. This could be used as a complement or alternative to actual contact, especially in situations where actual contact is difficult or undesirable. Second, it highlights the importance of addressing the intergroup anxiety of neurotypical people, which can be a barrier to positive interactions with autistic people. Third, it suggests that more awareness and recognition of female autistic people is needed, as they may face more stigma and discrimination than male autistic people.
The study also has some limitations that should be considered. For example, the sample was mostly white, female and young, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The scenarios were also brief and hypothetical, which may not reflect the complexity and diversity of real-life interactions. Furthermore, the study did not measure the actual behavior or intentions of the participants, which may not match their self-reported attitudes.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into how simulating contact with autistic people can affect the attitudes of neurotypical people. It also reveals some of the factors that can moderate and mediate this effect, such as the gender of the autistic person and the intergroup anxiety of the neurotypical person. The study has implications for promoting positive intergroup relations and reducing prejudice and discrimination against autistic people. However, more research is needed to replicate and extend the findings, and to explore the practical applications of simulated contact in various settings and contexts.
Faq
What is the theoretical framework of the study?
The theoretical framework of the study is based on the contact hypothesis, which is a social psychological theory that proposes that positive contact between members of different groups can reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations. The contact hypothesis suggests that contact can have various effects, such as increasing knowledge, empathy, and trust, reducing anxiety and threat, and changing attitudes and stereotypes.
What is simulated contact?
Simulated contact is a psychological technique that involves imagining a positive and realistic scenario with a person from a different group, such as a different race, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Simulated contact is based on the idea that increasing contact and familiarity with people from different groups can reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations.
What are the challenges of actual contact with autistic people?
Actual contact with autistic people can have some challenges for both autistic and neurotypical people. For autistic people, actual contact can be stressful, overwhelming, or uncomfortable, due to their sensory, social, or communication difficulties, or due to the negative reactions or expectations of neurotypical people. For neurotypical people, actual contact can be awkward, confusing, or frustrating, due to their lack of understanding or experience with autism, or due to their stereotypes or biases.
What is intergroup anxiety?
Intergroup anxiety is the fear or discomfort of interacting with people from a different group, especially when there is a perceived threat or conflict. Intergroup anxiety can affect how a person thinks, feels and behaves toward people from different groups, and can lead to negative stereotypes, discrimination and avoidance.
How can simulating contact be applied in practice?
Simulating contact can be applied in practice by using various methods, such as guided imagery, virtual reality, role-playing, storytelling, or media exposure. These methods can help the participants to imagine realistic and positive scenarios with autistic people, and to experience their perspective and emotions. Simulating contact can be used in various settings and contexts, such as education, health care, workplace, or community.
How can intergroup anxiety be reduced in practice?
Intergroup anxiety can be reduced in practice by using various strategies, such as providing information, feedback, and support, creating a common identity and goals, fostering empathy and perspective-taking, or promoting positive emotions and humor. These strategies can help the participants to feel more comfortable, confident, and connected with autistic people, and to overcome their fears and stereotypes.
How can female autistic people be more visible and recognized in practice?
Female autistic people can be more visible and recognized in practice by increasing their representation and participation in various domains, such as research, media, advocacy, or leadership. This can help to challenge the male bias and stereotypes of autism, and to showcase the diversity and strengths of autistic people. Female autistic people can also benefit from more diagnosis, support, and empowerment, which can help them to express their identity and needs, and to access their rights and opportunities.
What are the benefits of positive attitudes toward autistic people?
Positive attitudes toward autistic people can have various benefits for both autistic and neurotypical people. For autistic people, positive attitudes can enhance their self-esteem, well-being, and inclusion, and reduce their stress, isolation, and discrimination. For neurotypical people, positive attitudes can increase their knowledge, empathy, and respect, and foster their personal and professional relationships with autistic people.
Source:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-023-06220-2