Evaluating and Reducing Stigma Toward Neurodiverse College Students

• In Event: Considering the Complex Identities of Our Student Populations

Abstract

Increasingly, neurodiverse students are attending college. While many neurodiverse students face stigma, nothing remains known about the degree to which students with specific conditions believed to be risk factors for exclusion, such as autism, are stigmatized relative to students with other disorders. This study was designed to identify psychological conditions that are particularly stigmatized on college campuses to guide development of anti-stigma interventions. Findings indicate that students with psychological conditions perceived as dangerous to others (e.g., psychopathy) are more stigmatized than those with conditions that are associated with more danger to the self than to others (e.g., eating disorders). Findings suggest that interventions are needed to decrease stigma towards disorders perceived as dangerous, including opportunities to engage with neurodiverse peers.

Authors

• Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, College of Staten Island

• Spogmay Khan, College of Staten Island

• Rita Obeid, College of Staten Island

• Nidal Daou, American University of Beirut

• Siobhan Reardon

• Emily J Goldknopf, University of California - Los Angeles

• Anthony Massa, College of Staten Island