What do the general population know, believe and feel about individuals with autism and schizophrenia: Results from a comparative survey in Denmark.
Danish adults admire autism traits yet still back away, so teach clients to navigate real-world rejection, not just label acceptance.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Researchers asked Danish adults what they think about autism and schizophrenia. They used a phone survey to compare views side-by-side. People answered questions about intelligence, creativity, and how close they would let each person get to them.
What they found
The public linked autism to high IQ and creative talent. Still, most wanted distance, especially in dating or family ties. Schizophrenia faced harsher views, yet both labels carried stigma.
How this fits with other research
Shannon et al. (2008) showed that telling adults a child has autism can improve ratings. Mohr’s survey now shows the same label still pushes adults away in real-life settings. The two studies differ because one tested a single child story; the other asked about broad social contact.
Ohan et al. (2015) found no extra stigma when the label changed from Asperger’s to ASD. Mohr agrees that the autism name itself is not the main problem; deeper discomfort drives distance.
Mammarella et al. (2022) surveyed autistic adults in Australia and found they feel stronger exclusion than observers report. Mohr’s data help explain why: the public openly admits it wants space.
Why it matters
You can’t erase stigma just by sharing the diagnosis. Plan extra support for community outings, dating skills, and workplace mingling. Use role-play and peer models to build comfort on both sides. Track whether your social-skills goals actually lead to invited gatherings, not just correct responses.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Few studies investigate what members of the general population know about individuals with autism. Only one study has previously investigated how beliefs about autism differ from those about other psychiatric disorders. This study surveyed a convenience sample of the general adult population, within the Northern Region of Denmark, about their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about individuals with autism and schizophrenia. The respondents (N = 440) possessed basic knowledge and were able to differentiate between the two disorders. Schizophrenia was associated with perceived danger (32.8%), while autism was associated with high intelligence (40.1%) and creativity (27.3%). Respondents were more positive towards interacting with individuals with autism (p < 0.001), but desire for social distancing was pronounced for both disorders in more intimate relationships. Significantly, more respondents reported that they would find it difficult and feel ashamed with regard to being diagnosed with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Conversely, respondents significantly reported being more likely to elaborate on their diagnosis of autism to their colleagues (p < 0.001). Perceived dangerousness decreased the willingness for social interactions, while knowing someone with autism or schizophrenia increased the willingness to socially interact. Misconceptions and stigma must be addressed in order to minimize the social stigma and rejection associated with these disorders and ultimately improve the quality of life and psychological well-being of affected individuals and their families.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2016 · doi:10.1177/1362361315593068