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‘Most people have no idea what autism is’ : Unpacking autism disclosure using social media analysis
Edwards, Chris Love, Abigail M A Jones, Sandra Carol Cai, Ru Ying Nguyen, Boyd Thai Hoang Gibbs, Vicki
Edwards, Chris
Love, Abigail M A
Jones, Sandra Carol
Cai, Ru Ying
Nguyen, Boyd Thai Hoang
Gibbs, Vicki
Abstract
Autism disclosure can be a complicated decision that autistic people experience. Positive outcomes can include feelings of acceptance and support, but negative outcomes can include stigma and discrimination. Although a surge in research on this topic has led to more understanding around autism disclosure, the methodologies used may have limited who was contributing to the conversation and data. To overcome this, we analyzed 3 years (2020−2022) of social media data (Reddit and Twitter) as this was public information that did not rely on researcher data collection. Reflexive thematic analysis of 3121 posts led to the generation of four themes: People do not understand autism (with experiences related to employment, dating, healthcare and mental health), autistic people just want privacy and respect, autistic people can lead us forward and non-autistic people need to assume more responsibility. We discuss how autistic adults experience the impact of society’s lack of understanding of autism on a daily basis whether they disclose or not, and that it is everybody’s responsibility to challenge negative stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.
Keywords
autistic adults, disclosure, discrimination, qualitative research, social media, stigma
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
Book
Volume
0
Issue
0
Page Range
1-13
Article Number
ACU Department
ACU Engagement
Collections
Relation URI
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
File Access
Open
Open
Open