STIGMATIZATION AND PREJUDICE TOWARDS PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTUISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Abstract

The article discusses the issue of stigmatization and the existing prejudices towards parents of children with ASD. The authors consider the specificity of the primary and associated stigma related with proximity and contact with a person who has a diagnosis of “autism”. The study is based on the analysis of the focus group material conducted with 16 mothers of children with ASD. The results of the study allow us to conclude that parents of children with autism feel the influence of social stigma, discrimination that determined secondary stigmatization, social exclusion and retaliatory aggression towards others. In conclusion it is stated that it is necessary to develop the mechanisms for overcoming the stigmatization of people with ASD and their close aides.