Introduction
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social, and behavioral aspects of children. Children with autism often face stigma and discrimination from society, which can affect their self-esteem, mental health, and quality of life. This literature review aims to explore the sources, forms, and impacts of stigma on children with autism and their families, as well as the strategies to cope with and reduce stigma.
Sources of Stigma
Stigma is a negative attitude or belief that is attached to a person or a group based on their perceived difference or deviation from the norm. Stigma can come from various sources, such as:
- Lack of knowledge and awareness. Many people do not have accurate and sufficient information about autism, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. They may rely on myths, stereotypes, or media portrayals that depict autism as a disease, a curse, or a tragedy. They may also confuse autism with other mental disorders or intellectual disabilities.
- Cultural and religious beliefs. Some cultures and religions may have negative or judgmental views on autism, such as considering it as a punishment from God, a result of sin, or a sign of evil spirits. They may also have different expectations and norms for child development and behavior, such as valuing conformity, obedience, and social skills.
- Fear and prejudice. Some people may fear or avoid children with autism because they do not understand their behavior, such as repetitive movements, lack of eye contact, or meltdowns. They may also have prejudice or bias against children with autism, such as thinking that they are dangerous, violent, or contagious.
- Social comparison and pressure. Some people may compare children with autism with their peers or siblings, and feel ashamed, embarrassed, or inferior if they perceive them as less capable, successful, or normal. They may also face social pressure or criticism from their family, friends, or community, who may blame them for their child’s condition or expect them to fix it.
Forms of Stigma
Stigma can manifest in various forms, such as:
- Labeling and stereotyping. Labeling is the process of assigning a name or a category to a person or a group based on their perceived difference or deviation from the norm. Stereotyping is the process of applying generalizations or assumptions to a person or a group based on their label. For example, some people may label children with autism as “autistic”, “abnormal”, or “disabled”, and stereotype them as “weird”, “stupid”, or “incapable”.
- Separation and exclusion. Separation is the process of creating a physical or social distance between the stigmatized and the non-stigmatized groups. Exclusion is the process of denying or limiting the access or participation of the stigmatized group in the mainstream society. For example, some people may separate children with autism from their peers or siblings, and exclude them from school, playground, or social activities.
- Discrimination and harassment. Discrimination is the process of treating the stigmatized group differently or unfairly based on their label or stereotype. Harassment is the process of subjecting the stigmatized group to verbal or physical abuse, threats, or violence based on their label or stereotype. For example, some people may discriminate children with autism by denying them educational, health, or social services, and harass them by mocking, teasing, or bullying them.
Impacts of Stigma
Stigma can have negative impacts on children with autism and their families, such as:
- Psychological distress. Stigma can cause children with autism and their families to experience stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, isolation, and shame. They may also develop internalized stigma, which is the process of accepting and believing the negative attitudes or beliefs of others about themselves. They may blame themselves for their condition, feel hopeless or worthless, or hide their identity or symptoms.
- Social impairment. Stigma can hinder children with autism and their families from developing and maintaining social relationships and networks. They may face rejection, isolation, or exclusion from their peers, friends, or relatives. They may also avoid social situations or interactions for fear of stigma or discrimination. They may have difficulty finding or keeping a job, a partner, or a support group.
- Barriers to care. Stigma can prevent children with autism and their families from seeking or receiving appropriate and adequate care and support. They may face difficulties in accessing or affording health, education, or social services. They may also encounter negative or insensitive attitudes or behaviors from service providers, such as ignorance, bias, or blame. They may delay or avoid seeking help for fear of stigma or discrimination.
Strategies to Cope with and Reduce Stigma
There are various strategies that can help children with autism and their families to cope with and reduce stigma, such as:
- Education and awareness. Education and awareness are the processes of providing accurate and sufficient information about autism, its causes, symptoms, and treatments, to the public, the media, the service providers, and the policy makers. They can help to dispel myths, stereotypes, and prejudices, and to promote understanding, acceptance, and respect for children with autism and their families.
- Empowerment and advocacy. Empowerment and advocacy are the processes of enhancing the self-esteem, confidence, and skills of children with autism and their families, and enabling them to voice their needs, rights, and opinions. They can help to challenge and change the negative attitudes or beliefs of others, and to demand and obtain better care and support.
- Social support and inclusion. Social support and inclusion are the processes of providing and receiving emotional, informational, or practical assistance from family, friends, or community, and ensuring the access and participation of children with autism and their families in the mainstream society. They can help to reduce stress, isolation, and shame, and to improve well-being, relationships, and opportunities.
Conclusion
Stigma is a serious and pervasive issue that affects children with autism and their families. It can come from various sources, manifest in various forms, and have negative impacts on their psychological, social, and health outcomes. However, there are also various strategies that can help them to cope with and reduce stigma, such as education, empowerment, and social support. By addressing stigma, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for children with autism and their families.
Faq
What is the difference between internalized and externalized stigma?
Internalized stigma is the process of accepting and believing the negative attitudes or beliefs of others about oneself. Externalized stigma is the process of projecting or expressing the negative attitudes or beliefs of oneself onto others.
What are some factors that influence the level or intensity of stigma on children with autism and their families?
Some factors that influence the level or intensity of stigma on children with autism and their families are the severity and visibility of the symptoms, the age and gender of the child, the culture and religion of the family, and the availability and quality of the services.
What are some consequences or outcomes of coping with and reducing stigma on children with autism and their families?
Some consequences or outcomes of coping with and reducing stigma on children with autism and their families are improved psychological well-being, social functioning, and health status; increased self-esteem, confidence, and skills; enhanced social relationships and networks; and greater access and participation in the society.
What are some challenges or barriers that children with autism and their families may face in coping with and reducing stigma?
Some challenges or barriers that children with autism and their families may face in coping with and reducing stigma are the lack of awareness and education, the persistence and resistance of stigma, the limited or inadequate resources and support, and the stigma associated with seeking help or using services.
What are some examples of myths, stereotypes, or prejudices about autism?
Some examples of myths, stereotypes, or prejudices about autism are that autism is caused by vaccines, bad parenting, or environmental toxins; that autism can be cured by diet, therapy, or medication; that autism is a disease, a curse, or a tragedy; that people with autism are all alike, have no emotions, or have special talents.
What are some examples of separation, exclusion, or harassment that children with autism and their families may face?
Some examples of separation, exclusion, or harassment that children with autism and their families may face are that children with autism are placed in special education classes, segregated schools, or institutions; that children with autism are denied or limited access to health, education, or social services; that children with autism are mocked, teased, or bullied by their peers, teachers, or strangers.
What are some examples of stress, anxiety, or depression that children with autism and their families may experience due to stigma?
Some examples of stress, anxiety, or depression that children with autism and their families may experience due to stigma are that children with autism may feel insecure, isolated, or ashamed of their condition; that children with autism may have low self-esteem, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts; that parents of children with autism may feel guilty, helpless, or hopeless about their child’s future; that parents of children with autism may have marital, financial, or health problems.
What are some examples of rejection, isolation, or exclusion that children with autism and their families may encounter in their social relationships and networks due to stigma?
Some examples of rejection, isolation, or exclusion that children with autism and their families may encounter in their social relationships and networks due to stigma are that children with autism may have difficulty making or keeping friends, finding or joining a group, or participating in activities; that parents of children with autism may lose contact or support from their family, friends, or community; that parents of children with autism may face criticism or blame from their relatives, neighbors, or religious leaders.
What are some examples of difficulties or barriers that children with autism and their families may face in accessing or receiving appropriate and adequate care and support due to stigma?
Some examples of difficulties or barriers that children with autism and their families may face in accessing or receiving appropriate and adequate care and support due to stigma are that children with autism may have delayed or missed diagnosis, treatment, or intervention; that children with autism may receive inadequate or inappropriate services, such as medication, therapy, or education; that parents of children with autism may have limited or no information, guidance, or resources; that parents of children with autism may encounter negative or insensitive attitudes or behaviors from service providers, such as ignorance, bias, or blame.
What are some examples of information, skills, or opinions that children with autism and their families may need or want to voice in order to empower themselves and advocate for their rights and needs?
Some examples of information, skills, or opinions that children with autism and their families may need or want to voice in order to empower themselves and advocate for their rights and needs are that children with autism may need or want to express their feelings, preferences, or goals; that children with autism may need or want to learn about their condition, rights, or options; that parents of children with autism may need or want to share their experiences, insights, or suggestions; that parents of children with autism may need or want to demand or obtain better care, support, or policies.
What are some examples of emotional, informational, or practical assistance that children with autism and their families may provide or receive from their social support and inclusion networks?
Some examples of emotional, informational, or practical assistance that children with autism and their families may provide or receive from their social support and inclusion networks are that children with autism may provide or receive friendship, companionship, or empathy; that children with autism may provide or receive advice, tips, or referrals; that parents of children with autism may provide or receive encouragement, validation, or sympathy; that parents of children with autism may provide or receive information, resources, or services.
How can I help reduce stigma on children with autism and their families?
You can help reduce stigma on children with autism and their families by educating yourself and others about autism, its causes, symptoms, and treatments; by respecting and accepting children with autism and their families as they are; by supporting and including children with autism and their families in your community; by speaking up and standing up against stigma and discrimination.
Source:
https://proceedings.unisba.ac.id/index.php/BCSPS/article/view/10097