Stigmatization of Autism: Analyzing Caregiver Affiliate Stigmatization Experiences
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Robert Rieske, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-2025
Abstract
Stigmatization is detrimental to all identities, and the autistic community is particularly vulnerable to these social discriminations. Unfortunately, caregivers and family members of people with autism often experience stigma by association, known as affiliate stigma, which can lead to significant psychological distress. This study aims to explore caregiver-affiliate stigmatization of their child’s autism diagnosis during the diagnostic feedback session and the factors contributing to affiliate stigmatization. Understanding the intricacies of caregiver-affiliate stigmatization is crucial to both alleviating and assisting clinicians in preventing it. Caregivers (N = 455, M = 36.2 years old, SD = 8.3) of a diagnosed autistic child (M = 6.1 years old; SD = 3.8) were recruited via specialized social media groups and answered a nationwide Qualtrics survey regarding stigmatization. Hierarchical linear analyses examined the relationships between the child-intrinsic (i.e., child’s age at diagnosis, the child’s symptom quantity), caregiver-intrinsic (i.e., age at diagnosis, whether finances were a stressor), clinician (i.e., helpful characteristics score) and community (i.e., community support, RUCC code) variables in relation to reported affiliate stigmatization. Preliminary analysis revealed significant correlations between the caregiver’s age at diagnosis (r = -0.07), clinician’s helpful characteristics score (r = -0.14), community support (r = -0.22), and financial stress (r = 0.19). Further analyses explored the contribution of other factors to affiliate stigmatization. Ultimately, this research aims to guide the development of tailored interventions, improve diagnostic feedback, and advocate more effectively in addressing the specific needs of families influenced by these facets.
Stigmatization of Autism: Analyzing Caregiver Affiliate Stigmatization Experiences
Stigmatization is detrimental to all identities, and the autistic community is particularly vulnerable to these social discriminations. Unfortunately, caregivers and family members of people with autism often experience stigma by association, known as affiliate stigma, which can lead to significant psychological distress. This study aims to explore caregiver-affiliate stigmatization of their child’s autism diagnosis during the diagnostic feedback session and the factors contributing to affiliate stigmatization. Understanding the intricacies of caregiver-affiliate stigmatization is crucial to both alleviating and assisting clinicians in preventing it. Caregivers (N = 455, M = 36.2 years old, SD = 8.3) of a diagnosed autistic child (M = 6.1 years old; SD = 3.8) were recruited via specialized social media groups and answered a nationwide Qualtrics survey regarding stigmatization. Hierarchical linear analyses examined the relationships between the child-intrinsic (i.e., child’s age at diagnosis, the child’s symptom quantity), caregiver-intrinsic (i.e., age at diagnosis, whether finances were a stressor), clinician (i.e., helpful characteristics score) and community (i.e., community support, RUCC code) variables in relation to reported affiliate stigmatization. Preliminary analysis revealed significant correlations between the caregiver’s age at diagnosis (r = -0.07), clinician’s helpful characteristics score (r = -0.14), community support (r = -0.22), and financial stress (r = 0.19). Further analyses explored the contribution of other factors to affiliate stigmatization. Ultimately, this research aims to guide the development of tailored interventions, improve diagnostic feedback, and advocate more effectively in addressing the specific needs of families influenced by these facets.