The Impact of an Autistic Character Media Portrayal on Autistic Stereotypes: Media Portrayal
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| Title: | The Impact of an Autistic Character Media Portrayal on Autistic Stereotypes: Media Portrayal |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sreya Mallipeddi, Cheryl L. Dickter (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 55(2):540-546. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 7 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Student Attitudes, Labeling (of Persons), Stereotypes, Intergroup Education, Computer Uses in Education, Television, Socialization, Attitude Change, Vignettes |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-023-06197-y |
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Research has demonstrated that neurotypical college students view their autistic peers more negatively than their neurotypical peers and endorse stereotypes related to autism. One way to improve attitudes towards autistic individuals is to induce vicarious intergroup contact through the media in which seeing the lived experiences of an autistic character may reduce stereotypes via social learning. The current study sought to examine whether exposure to an autistic character in a television show would impact the stereotypes that neurotypical college students have about autism. Methods: College student participants (n = 147) viewed one of three short video clips depicting an autistic character who spoke about her experiences with ASD (i.e., informational condition), behaved in a relatable manner to neurotypical students (i.e., relatable condition), or engaged in stereotypical autistic behaviors (i.e., stereotypical condition). Results: Results indicated that stereotypes about autistic people were less negative for participants who watched the informational clip than the relatable clip, and liking for the character mediated this relationship. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a short video featuring a likeable autistic person may reduce stereotypes about autism. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1460706 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Purpose: Research has demonstrated that neurotypical college students view their autistic peers more negatively than their neurotypical peers and endorse stereotypes related to autism. One way to improve attitudes towards autistic individuals is to induce vicarious intergroup contact through the media in which seeing the lived experiences of an autistic character may reduce stereotypes via social learning. The current study sought to examine whether exposure to an autistic character in a television show would impact the stereotypes that neurotypical college students have about autism. Methods: College student participants (n = 147) viewed one of three short video clips depicting an autistic character who spoke about her experiences with ASD (i.e., informational condition), behaved in a relatable manner to neurotypical students (i.e., relatable condition), or engaged in stereotypical autistic behaviors (i.e., stereotypical condition). Results: Results indicated that stereotypes about autistic people were less negative for participants who watched the informational clip than the relatable clip, and liking for the character mediated this relationship. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a short video featuring a likeable autistic person may reduce stereotypes about autism. |
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| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-023-06197-y |
