From the BBC, coverage marking the kickoff of an autism awareness campaign in the UK:

Damaging misconceptions about autism in Wales mean 17% think children with the condition are “simply badly behaved,” new research has found. The National Autistic Society in Wales said 43% thought most people with autism had special ability in maths and art, for example.

Coverage from the (Edinburgh) Scotsman was more ominous, starting with the headline: Ignorance of autism is ruining lives.

Bullied by their classmates as children, shunned by neighbours as parents, and refused work as adults, the lives of thousands of Scots are being devastated by ignorance about autism.

New research reveals that people with the condition are seven times more likely to be caught up in the criminal-justice system - as suspects, rather than criminals - because of poor understanding of the way autism can cause unusual behaviour.

… Today’s study paints a damning picture of our nation’s attitude to those most in need of support and uncovers the shocking maltreatment of those battling the disorder, which affects how people communicate and socialise.

Damaging myths still persist that people with autism are a danger to the public, while mothers of autistic children are forced into virtual hiding by constant public criticism of their parenting skills.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 at 8:27 am and is filed under autism, public attitudes, stigma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post