“Understanding the Impact of Stigma”
About This Issue
The Summer 2025 issue of Autism Spectrum News explores the far-reaching impact of stigma on the lives of autistic individuals and their families. Stigma, whether rooted in misunderstanding, outdated narratives, or systemic discrimination, can create invisible barriers to healthcare, education, employment, social connection, and even self-acceptance.
This issue brings together a diverse collection of voices and perspectives – from self-advocates and parents to clinicians, educators, and researchers – who share insights on how stigma manifests and how it can be challenged. Articles examine legal protections, media representation, healthcare access, cultural and generational experiences, and the unique challenges of living with an often-invisible disability. Many authors share personal stories of resilience, activism, and the journey toward empowerment and authenticity.
Whether you are an autistic individual, a family member, a service provider, or an ally, this issue offers powerful reflections and practical guidance to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and stigma-free society.
Articles in This Issue
Understanding the Impact of Stigma
A Two-Way Street: Society and the Neurodiverse Community
Autism and Speech Therapy: Evolving Perspectives
* Autism and the Stigmas of Living with an Invisible Disability
* Autism Rights, Wrongs, and Acceptance: A Two-Way Street
* Autistic Lived Experience: My Government Is Waging War on Me and on My Community
* Becoming the Person I Once Needed
Bridging the Gap: Improving Health Care Access for Autistic Patients
Calm Minds, Ready to Learn: Empowering Children with Relaxation Training
Challenge of Being an Autistic Higher Education Teacher in Brazil
Co-Mentorship: A Catalyst for Fighting Stigma and Career Success
Combating Stigma Through Community: AABR’s Program Without Walls Builds Inclusion and Purpose
Empowering Resilience: How Occupational Therapy Supports Autistic Adolescents with Depression
From Exclusion to Belonging: Confronting Stigma Through Disability Education in Schools
* Helping Autistic Teens Thrive: Shifting the Focus from Stigma to Strength
How Digital Health Ecosystems Are Shaping the Future of I/DD Support
How Stigma Creates Invisible Barriers for Autistic Individuals in Healthcare
Increasing Autism Awareness and Reducing the Stigma of Autism in China
Insights from Amy Gravino: Autism and Sexuality Awareness and Advocacy
* It Is Time to Remove Stigma from Autism Interventions
* Living at Home as an Autistic Adult: When Society Confuses Support with Failure
* Medicaid Cuts Will Put People Like Me at Risk
More Than Work: Autism, Stigma, and the Power of Belonging
Natural Supports: A Lifeline for Families Like Mine
Navigating Autism and Stigma in the Hispanic Community
Neurodiversity is the New Trend!
Reframing Pathological Demand Avoidance: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
* Research Meets Reality TV: How the Media Stigmatizes Autism and Why it Matters
* Scientific Setbacks: Medical Stigma and Political Interference Threaten Autism Healthcare
* Studying Us to Death: The Lethal Cost of Autism Research Without Autistic Investigators
The Mental Health Effects of Autism Stigma
The Neurodiversity Movement: Promoting Acceptance and Understanding
The Neurodiversity Movement: Promoting Acceptance and Understanding Through Employee Resource Groups
* The Never-Ending Cycle: Autism, Stigma, and the Cost of Late Diagnosis
Unmasking the Mask: Breaking Free from Stigma to Embrace Authentic Autistic Identity
Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parents with Autistic Children
Wellbeing as a Protective Factor: Reducing Stigma and Centering Joy
* Indicates an article written by an Autistic Adult
