Assessing Interdisciplinary Trainees' Objective and Self-Reported Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Confidence in Providing Services

Re-Evaluating the Appropriateness of the "Don't Know" Response Option: Guessing Rate as a Source of Systematic Error on Autism Knowledge Assessments

Several autism knowledge assessments include "don't know" as a response option. The inclusion of this response option may lead to systematic error, such that participants' guessing rate affects the measurement of their autism knowledge. This study examines both predictors of guessing rate for autism knowledge and predictors of autism knowledge, including guessing rate. School-based professionals (n = 396) completed the Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale Professional Version-Revised (ASKSP-R; McClain et al, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 50(3):998-1006, 2020). and the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q; Harrison et al, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 47(10):3281-3295, 2017). Both assessments include "don't know" as a response option. Guessing rate was the strongest predictor of autism knowledge across both the ASKSP-R and the ASK-Q assessments. For the ASKSP-R, participants who were school psychologists, practicing for more years, had more autism-related clinical experiences, and who personally knew an autistic person had a higher guessing rate. School psychologists and participants who worked with more autistic students scored higher in autism knowledge. For the ASK-Q, participants with greater self-perceived autism knowledge had a higher guessing rate. Participants with a doctorate degree, who personally knew an autistic person, and who worked with more autistic students scored higher in autism knowledge. Guessing rate can be a source of systematic error on autism knowledge assessments. Potential solutions to correct for guessing rate are examined and recommended for future use.

Creating the Global Criminal Justice Survey: A Questionnaire Designed to Gather Perspectives from the Autism Community and Criminal Justice Professionals

Autistic people's perceptions of their interactions with criminal justice professionals are predominantly negative; however, little is known about the state of interactions on a global scale. To further understanding, a comprehensive stakeholder questionnaire was created. Aspects of reliability and validity including evidence for test content and internal structure were gathered using expert reviews, cognitive interviewing, pilot data collection, and a larger data collection effort (N = 1618). Data was gathered from the autism community through perspectives of parents/caregivers as well as from self-reported autistic adults. Criminal justice professionals included law enforcement officers, corrections professionals, probation and parole officers, forensic psychologists and legal professionals. The scale development process was detailed in order to sufficiently document the initial psychometric evidence and share the steps taken to gain diverse stakeholder input. This study is a critical first step in generating further information to facilitate policy and program development with wide applicability.

Understanding Stigma in Autism: A Narrative Review and Theoretical Model

The experience of stigma by autistic people is relatively understudied, despite contributing to a range of poor outcomes and having an overarching impact on well-being. The current review of the literature synthesizes research to determine what is currently known and presents a theoretical model of autism stigma. Autism stigma is primarily influenced by a public and professional understanding of autism in combination with interpretation of visible autistic traits. Moderating factors include the quality and quantity of contact with autistic people, cultural factors, sex and gender, individual differences, and diagnostic disclosure. Stigma can reduce well-being as well as increase the presence of camouflaging behaviors, which mask autistic traits. Caregivers of autistic people can experience stigma by association, that is, affiliate stigma, which can impact their own well-being. A variety of interventions and approaches to reduce stigma are discussed, including "autism friendly" spaces, positive media representation, educational and psychosocial training for the public and professionals, as well as cultural and systemic shifts that foster inclusivity and recognize neurodiversity.