College Students’ Perceptions of Attributes Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine college students’ perceptions of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and identify contributing factors that influence perceptions and reactions to students with ASD. Participants included 1,185 college students who responded to a survey in class or online. Trends in responses suggested that experience and exposure to ASD were positively associated with sympathy and helping reactions given a simulated scenario that included challenging behavior. Conversely, experience and exposure to ASD were associated with lower anger, perceived controllability, and punitive reactions. Multiple regression analyses indicated that punitive intentions were largely predicted by feelings of anger toward the behaviors. Feelings of sympathy significantly contributed to reactions of wanting to help the child (vs. punishing).