Dr Chloë Keegan: Addressing public attitudes: to enhance autism inclusion and rights in Ireland скачать в хорошем качестве

Dr Chloë Keegan: Addressing public attitudes: to enhance autism inclusion and rights in Ireland

C. Keegan1, L. Kenny1 1National Disability Authority, Dublin, Ireland Trigger warning: No Trigger Warning Practical impact: The practical impact of this research is that it helps identify specific public attitudes towards autistic people that need to be addressed in order to improve social inclusion. By addressing these attitudes in targeted or national campaigns, the government can foster greater understanding and acceptance of autistic people, leading to a more supportive environment in areas such as the workplace, schools and public spaces. This can ultimately enhance the quality of life for autistic people in Ireland. Abstract body: Introduction and Central Question: The Autism Innovation Strategy, a cross-government initiative, aims to reduce barriers and increase supports for autistic people living in Ireland. Action 1 in the strategy is to synthesise existing data on the beliefs and attitudes of the Irish public and specific groups of professionals towards autistic people. This synthesis is intended to inform Action 2 to deliver a public autism acceptance and understanding campaign. The current study sought to identify attitudes held in Ireland that would be viable candidates for a campaign. Methods/Approach: A scoping review of existing literature, including academic, government, and non-governmental sources, was undertaken to elucidate current beliefs and attitudes held by the public and by professionals in Ireland toward autistic people. The beliefs identified were analysed for accuracy against official information sources, and attitudes were compared with international data to determine beliefs or attitudes which could be targeted in public campaigning. Outcomes: Analysis is ongoing, preliminary findings indicate that while most people in Ireland report positive views about autistic people, certain autism misconceptions and non-inclusive attitudes in relation to public services remain. For instance, support for disability rights in the workplace is generally high in Ireland but support for specific reasonable accommodations for autistic people was less universally endorsed. Discussions/Implications: Unfortunately, negative and non-inclusive public beliefs and attitudes towards autistic people persist in Ireland. This study identifies several beliefs and attitudes that could be targeted by government initiatives to ensure the public, including public services, is accepting and inclusive of autistic people. Plain English version: Introduction and Central question: In 2024, Ireland launched the Autism Innovation Strategy. This strategy aims to reduce barriers and increase support for autistic people. One part of the strategy focuses on understanding public attitudes towards autistic people. This information will help guide a national campaign to improve autism acceptance and understanding in Ireland. In this study we find out which public attitudes could be addressed through such a campaign. Methods/Approach: We reviewed many documents and reports. We examined the information in the reports about public attitudes towards autistic people in Ireland. In this study, we checked if people’s beliefs were accurate, if this was possible. We also looked at how they compare to attitudes held in other countries. Outcomes: The analysis is ongoing. We found that many people in Ireland understand some things about autism. We also found that many people believe things about autism that are not correct. We also found that some people do not believe autistic people have the same rights as non-autistic people. For example, some people have negative attitudes about supporting autistic people in work. Discussions/Implications There are negative and non-inclusive attitudes toward autistic people in Ireland. The study highlights which attitudes could be addressed through initiatives such as a public campaign.