Creating an Inclusive Society… How Close are We in Relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder? A General Population Survey. Issue 4 (25th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dillenburger, Karola; McKerr, Lyn; Jordan, Julie Ann; Devine, Paula; Keenan, Mickey
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities. Volume 28:Issue 4(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 330
• Page End: 340
• Publication Date: 2015-03-25
• Subjects: Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; 616.85880072
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2322

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jar12144-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jar12144-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Children with autism spectrum disorder are increasingly educated in mainstream classrooms in the United Kingdom (Wilkinson & Twist, <italic>Autism and Educational Assessment: UK Policy and Practice</italic>. NFER, Slough, 2010), and some employers are now specifically seeking out staff on the autism spectrum. Does that mean that we are living in an 'inclusive society' [United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), <italic>Creating an Inclusive Society: Practical Strategies to Promote Social Integration</italic> 2008], in the sense that inequalities are reduced and full economic, social and cultural participation is advanced for individuals with autism?</p> </sec> <sec id="jar12144-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A general population survey was conducted to assess how close we, as a society, are to an inclusive society for individuals with autism in Northern Ireland. Public attitudes were examined to (i) visibility and social interaction, (ii) aetiology, needs and interventions, and (iii) rights and resources.</p> </sec> <sec id="jar12144-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>A stratified, representative sample of 1204 adults took part in the survey; of these, 989 were aware of autism and their attitudes and behavioural projections reflected a mix of acceptance and denunciation. The level of confusion with regard to interventions reflected the general uncertainty within UK policy regarding meeting the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum (<italic>International Journal of Disability, Development and Education</italic> 61, 134, 2014a).</p> </sec> <sec id="jar12144-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Therefore, it seems that inclusion is working to an extent, but more clarity is needed with regard to adequate education, intervention and support for individuals with autism.</p> </sec> </abstract>