Examining Attitudes About Autism Based on Awareness: A Program Evaluation
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Many people do not have a strong knowledge or general understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Research shows that knowledge of autism spectrum disorder relates to individuals’ attitudes towards people with autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, if a person does not have a strong knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, then that individual is more likely to misinterpret/misunderstand behaviors of an individual with autism, which then relates to more bullying and/or social isolation of individuals with autism. Due to children with autism often being misunderstood within school systems and classrooms, raising awareness and increasing knowledge of autism on a school level will benefit the school. A rise in knowledge of autism within the classroom will decrease bullying and increase positive attitudes towards individuals with autism. This presentation will focus on the evaluation of a local autism support center that aims to increase knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder. The results of the evaluation show if their process of raising awareness and knowledge of autism is effective and what can be done to improve the process. This poster will present data collected from surveys to show that there is a need and a desire for more awareness of autism spectrum disorder. It will also draw from research done at a local middle/high school to determine if students themselves feel a need for autism awareness. The presentation provides recommendations for program improvement, including increased trainings for teachers and students.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Kristy L. Carlisle
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Other Social and Behavioral Sciences
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium
Start Date
2-2-2019 8:00 AM
End Date
2-2-2019 12:30 PM
Examining Attitudes About Autism Based on Awareness: A Program Evaluation
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium
Many people do not have a strong knowledge or general understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Research shows that knowledge of autism spectrum disorder relates to individuals’ attitudes towards people with autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, if a person does not have a strong knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, then that individual is more likely to misinterpret/misunderstand behaviors of an individual with autism, which then relates to more bullying and/or social isolation of individuals with autism. Due to children with autism often being misunderstood within school systems and classrooms, raising awareness and increasing knowledge of autism on a school level will benefit the school. A rise in knowledge of autism within the classroom will decrease bullying and increase positive attitudes towards individuals with autism. This presentation will focus on the evaluation of a local autism support center that aims to increase knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder. The results of the evaluation show if their process of raising awareness and knowledge of autism is effective and what can be done to improve the process. This poster will present data collected from surveys to show that there is a need and a desire for more awareness of autism spectrum disorder. It will also draw from research done at a local middle/high school to determine if students themselves feel a need for autism awareness. The presentation provides recommendations for program improvement, including increased trainings for teachers and students.