Autism in Culture & Society

 

​

Autism discrimination

In western cultures, “autistic” has been used as an insult, akin to calling someone “weird” or “stupid”. When the term ‘autistic’ is used in this way, it gives the impression of “less than” and paints autistic people as a broad umbrella term for incompetence, which we know is a discriminatory generalisation. Using 'autistic' as an insult:

• Perpetuates harmful stereotypes about autistic individuals

• Contributes to stigma and misunderstanding

• Can negatively impact self-esteem of autistic individuals

• Reflects a broader societal lack of understanding about neurodiversity

 

​

Autism and race

Autism is slightly more common in Black, Hispanic and Asian children (3%) compared to white children (2%) [1] in the United States. This is in contrast with the past, where the opposite was true, seeing more white children being diagnosed with the condition. This change is accredited to improved screening and autism services for all children, and increased awareness and education of autism. Ethnic minority autistic people may have to go through other challenges in addition to challenges associated with autism [2]:

• Communication problems with professionals due to culture and language barriers

• Denial due to culture may occur, where the autistic person’s family do not accept their diagnosis and forbid the autistic person from speaking about it.

• Barriers to accessing support services, due to information only being available in English, or written from a solely western perspective which does not relate to the ethnic minority perspective.

 

​

Autism in women

Autism can present in men and women differently, with different sets of characteristics. ASD is four times more likely to be diagnosed in men than women [3], and many women with ASD may not be diagnosed until adulthood due to masking and professional misdiagnoses of condition. Research suggests that autistic women are more likely to internalise their symptoms, and autistic males are more likely to show more visible behaviour difficulties.

In general terms, autistic women are more likely to [4] :

• Experience fewer social difficulties due to masking

• Internalise their symptoms, which can cause mood disorders

• Be a part of a friendship group in school which could make it harder for teachers to notice differences

• Be misdiagnosed with a personality disorder, when they are autistic.

• Exhibit less repetitive behaviour than autistic males

• Have hobbies similar to neurotypical females

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Autism and LGBTQ+ identity

• Higher rates of gender diversity and non-heterosexual orientations reported among autistic individuals

• Challenges of navigating both autistic and LGBTQ+ identities

• Need for inclusive support services that understand both autism and LGBTQ+ experiences

​

 

Autism in Media and Popular Culture

Representation of autism in media has increased, but with mixed results:

• Some portrayals reinforce stereotypes while others offer more nuanced representations

• Impact of autism representation on public perception and self-perception of autistic individuals

• Growing number of autistic creators sharing their own stories and perspectives

​

​​

​

​

​​​​​​​​​​​

​References

[1] NBC News. (n.d.). Autism now more common in Black, Latino children than white in the U.S. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/autism-now-common-black-latino-children-white-us-rcna76518.

[2] National Autistic society (2023). Autism and BAME People. [online] www.autism.org.uk. Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/autism-and-bame-people.

[3] Healthline. (2022). Understanding Autism in Women. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/autism-in-women#_noHeaderPrefixedContent.

[4] Szalavitz, M. (2016). The Invisible Girls. Scientific American Mind, [online] 27(2), pp.48–55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamericanmind0316-48.

​

​