Changing College Students’ Conceptions of Autism: An Online Training to Increase Knowledge and Decrease Stigma
Gillespie-Lynch, K., Brooks, P. J., Someki, F., Obeid, R., Shane‐Simpson, C., Kapp, S. K., Daou, N., & Smith, D. S. (2015). Changing College Students’ Conceptions of Autism: An Online Training to Increase Knowledge and Decrease Stigma. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(8), 2553-2566. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2422-9
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
College students with autism may be negatively impacted by lack of understanding about autism on college campuses. Thus, we developed an online training to improve knowledge and decrease stigma associated with autism among college students. Participants (N = 365) completed a pre-test, online training, and post-test. Women reported lower stigma towards autism than men. Participation in the training was associated with decreased stigma and increased knowledge about autism. Although participants exhibited relatively high baseline knowledge of autism, misconceptions were common, particularly in open-ended responses. Participants commonly confused autism with other disorders, such as learning disabilities. This study suggests that online training may be a cost-effective way to increase college students' understanding and acceptance of their peers with autism.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Bibliography inclusion overview
These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:30.
-
Lorna Wing (1988). The Continuum of Autistic Characteristics . In Diagnosis and assessment in autism (pp. 91-110). Springer US.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Diane Adreon , Jennifer Stella Durocher (2007). Evaluating the College Transition Needs of Individuals With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders . Intervention in School and Clinic, 42(5), 271-279. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kalpna Shah (2001). What Do Medical Students Know about Autism? Autism, 5(2), 127-133. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Karen F. Swaim , Sam B. Morgan (2001). Children's Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions Toward a Peer with Autistic Behaviors: Does a Brief Educational Intervention Have an Effect? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(2), 195-205. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex
-
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). DSM 5. American Psychiatric Association.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Adam Smith (2009). The Empathy Imbalance Hypothesis of Autism: A Theoretical Approach to Cognitive and Emotional Empathy in Autistic Development . The Psychological Record, 59(3), 489-510. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Nava R. Silton , Joshua Fogel (2012). Enhancing Positive Behavioral Intentions of Typical Children towards Children with Autism . Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 12(2), 139.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W121887456OpenAlex
-
Jack O. Balswick , Kevin S. Reimer , Pamela Ebstyne King (2005). The Reciprocating Self: Human Development in Theological Perspective .Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2798824912Crossref OpenAlex
-
Rose E. A. Nevill , Susan W. White (2011). College Students’ Openness Toward Autism Spectrum Disorders: Improving Peer Acceptance . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(12), 1619-1628. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Eric Schopler , Gary B. Mesibov (1988). Diagnosis and Assessment in Autism . Springer US.OpenAlex
-
Simon Baron-Cohen , Fiona J. Scott , Carrie Allison , Joanna Williams , Patrick Bolton , Fiona E. Matthews et al. (2009). Prevalence of autism-spectrum conditions: UK school-based population study . British Journal of Psychiatry, 194(6), 500-509. Royal College of Psychiatrists.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Marco Del Giudice (2010). The evolution of autistic-like and schizotypal traits: a sexual selection hypothesis . Frontiers in Psychology, 1, 41-41. Frontiers Media SA.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
SJ Blumberg (2013). Blumberg, S. J., Bramlett, M. D., Kogan, M. D., Schieve, L. A., Jones, J. R., & Lu, M. C. (2013). Changes in prevalence of parent-reported autism spectrum disorder in school-aged US children: 2007 to 2011–2012. National Health Statistics Reports, 65(20), 1–7. National Health Statistics Reports, 65(20), 1.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Emily Gardiner , Grace Iarocci (2014). Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the University Context: Peer Acceptance Predicts Intention to Volunteer . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(5), 1008-1017. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rodney L. Bassett (2007). The Reciprocating Self: Human Development in Theological Perspective . The Journal of psychology and Christianity, 26(1), 81.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1546298007OpenAlex
-
ES Bogardus (1933). Bogardus, E. S. (1933). A social distance scale. Sociology & Social Research, 17, 265–271. Sociology & Social Research, 17, 265.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Catherine Lord , Andrew Pickles , John McLennan , Michael Rutter , Joel Bregman , Susan Folstein et al. (1997). Diagnosing Autism: Analyses of Data from the Autism Diagnostic Interview . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 27(5), 501-517. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Sven Bölte , Isabel Dziobek , Fritz Poustka (2009). Brief Report: The Level and Nature of Autistic Intelligence Revisited . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(4), 678-682. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Robert C. Butler , Jennifer M Gillis (2011). The Impact of Labels and Behaviors on the Stigmatization of Adults with Asperger’s Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(6), 741-749. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
B. G. Link , L. H. Yang , J. C. Phelan , P. Y. Collins (2004). Measuring Mental Illness Stigma . Schizophrenia Bulletin, 30(3), 511-541. Oxford University Press (OUP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Steven K. , Alexander Gantman , Elizabeth A. (2011). Transition to Adulthood for High-Functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders . In A Comprehensive Book on Autism Spectrum Disorders. InTech.OpenAlex
-
Jonathan M. Campbell (2006). Changing Children’s Attitudes Toward Autism: A Process of Persuasive Communication . Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 18(3), 251-272. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Nicholas Gelbar , Isaac C. Smith , Brian Reichow (2014). Systematic Review of Articles Describing Experience and Supports of Individuals with Autism Enrolled in College and University Programs . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(10), 2593-2601. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Nurit Yirmiya , Tony Charman (2010). The prodrome of autism: early behavioral and biological signs, regression, peri‐ and post‐natal development and genetics . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51(4), 432-458. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jonathan M. Campbell (2007). Middle School Students' Response to the Self-Introduction of a Student With Autism . Remedial and Special Education, 28(3), 163-173. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jane F. Morton , Jonathan M. Campbell (2008). Information source affects peers’ initial attitudes toward autism . Research in Developmental Disabilities, 29(3), 189-201. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Xin Wei , Jennifer W. Yu , Paul Shattuck , Mary McCracken , Jose Blackorby (2013). Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Participation Among College Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(7), 1539-1546. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jonathan M Campbell , Jane E Ferguson , Caitlin V Herzinger , Jennie N Jackson , Christine A Marino (2004). Combined descriptive and explanatory information improves peers’ perceptions of autism . Research in Developmental Disabilities, 25(4), 321-339. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Susan Jamieson (2004). Likert scales: how to (ab)use them . Medical Education, 38(12), 1217-1218. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jessica J. Staniland , Mitchell K. Byrne (2013). The Effects of a Multi-Component Higher-Functioning Autism Anti-Stigma Program on Adolescent Boys . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(12), 2816-2829. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jonathan M. Campbell , Jane F. Morton , Kathryn Roulston , Brian D. Barger (2011). A Descriptive Analysis of Middle School Students’ Conceptions of Autism . Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 23(5), 377-397. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Cristofer S. Price , William W. Thompson , Barbara Goodson , Eric S. Weintraub , Lisa A. Croen , Virginia L. Hinrichsen et al. (2010). Prenatal and Infant Exposure to Thimerosal From Vaccines and Immunoglobulins and Risk of Autism . Pediatrics, 126(4), 656-664. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sarah Helps , I. C. Newsom-Davis , M. Callias (1999). Autism . Autism, 3(3), 287-298. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Duncan G. Campbell , Nancy C. Reichle , Mary E. Van Bourgondien (1996). The Autism Survey: An evaluation of reliability and validity . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 26(6), 621-634. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Leigh Ann Tipton , Jan Blacher (2014). Brief Report: Autism Awareness: Views from a Campus Community . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(2), 477-483. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Heather E. Volk , Tara Kerin , Fred Lurmann , Irva Hertz-Picciotto , Rob McConnell , Daniel B. Campbell (2014). Autism Spectrum Disorder . Epidemiology, 25(1), 44-47. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Patrick Chambres , Catherine Auxiette , Carole Vansingle , Sandrine Gil (2008). Adult Attitudes Toward Behaviors of a Six-year-old Boy with Autism . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(7), 1320-1327. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Amanda D. Heidgerken , Gary Geffken , Avani Modi , Laura Frakey (2005). A Survey of Autism Knowledge in a Health Care Setting . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35(3), 323-330. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Antony Cox , Michael Rutter , Steven Newman , Lawrence Bartak (1975). A Comparative Study of Infantile Autism and Specific Developmental Receptive Language Disorder . British Journal of Psychiatry, 126(2), 146-159. Royal College of Psychiatrists.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Tara Kennedy , Glenn Regehr , Jay Rosenfield , S Wendy Roberts , Lorelei Lingard (2004). Exploring the Gap Between Knowledge and Behavior: A Qualitative Study of Clinician Action Following an Educational Intervention . Academic Medicine, 79(5), 386-393. Oxford University Press (OUP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
PETER L. ROSENBAUM , ROBERT W. ARMSTRONG , SUZANNE M. KING (1986). Improving Attitudes toward the Disabled: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Direct Contact Versus Kids-on-the-Block . Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 7(5), 302-307. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Peter L. Rosenbaum , Robert W. Armstrong , Susanne M. King (1988). Determinants of Children's Attitudes Toward Disability: A Review of Evidence . Children's Health Care, 17(1), 32-39. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Maureen S. Durkin , Matthew J. Maenner , F. John Meaney , Susan E. Levy , Carolyn DiGuiseppi , Joyce S. Nicholas et al. (2010). Socioeconomic Inequality in the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from a U.S. Cross-Sectional Study . PLoS ONE, 5(7), e11551. Public Library of Science (PLoS).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
J.C. Huws , R.S.P. Jones (2010). ‘They just seem to live their lives in their own little world’: lay perceptions of autism . Disability & Society, 25(3), 331-344. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Mayada Elsabbagh , Gauri Divan , Yun‐Joo Koh , Young Shin Kim , Shuaib Kauchali , Carlos Marcín et al. (2012). Global Prevalence of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders . Autism Research, 5(3), 160-179. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rhiannon Luyster , Katherine Gotham , Whitney Guthrie , Mia Coffing , Rachel Petrak , Karen Pierce et al. (2009). The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Toddler Module: A New Module of a Standardized Diagnostic Measure for Autism Spectrum Disorders . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(9), 1305-1320. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Goffman E. (1969). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity . Postgraduate Medical Journal, 45(527), 642-642. Oxford University Press (OUP).OpenAlex
-
E Goffman (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity . Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Grandin, T. (2002). Teaching tips for children and adults with autism. Fort Collins, CO: EUA. http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/?pageId=601Type: OtherCrossref
-
Oren Shtayermman (2009). An Exploratory Study of the Stigma Associated With a Diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome: The Mental Health Impact on the Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed With a Disability With a Social Nature . Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(3), 298-313. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Steven K. Kapp *Autistic author. Learn more… , Kristen Gillespie-Lynch , Lauren E. Sherman , Ted Hutman (2013). Deficit, difference, or both? Autism and neurodiversity. Developmental Psychology, 49(1), 59-71. American Psychological Association (APA).
-
Wendy L. Stone (1987). Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on Autism . Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 12(4), 615-630. Oxford University Press (OUP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
David S. Mandell , Richard F. Ittenbach , Susan E. Levy , Jennifer A. Pinto-Martin (2007). Disparities in Diagnoses Received Prior to a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(9), 1795-1802. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Robert S. P. Jones , Andrew Zahl , Jaci C. Huws (2001). First-hand Accounts of Emotional Experiences in Autism: A qualitative analysis . Disability & Society, 16(3), 393-401. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rose Iovannone , Glen Dunlap , Heather Huber , Don Kincaid (2003). Effective Educational Practices for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 18(3), 150-165. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Stephan J. Sanders , Michael T. Murtha , Abha R. Gupta , John D. Murdoch , Melanie J. Raubeson , A. Jeremy Willsey et al. (2012). De novo mutations revealed by whole-exome sequencing are strongly associated with autism . Nature, 485(7397), 237-241. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sandra Thom-Jones *Autistic author. Learn more… , Valerie Harwood (2009). Representations of autism in Australian print media . Disability & Society, 24(1), 5-18. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Natalia J. Ranson , Mitchell K. Byrne (2014). Promoting Peer Acceptance of Females with Higher-functioning Autism in a Mainstream Education Setting: A Replication and Extension of the Effects of an Autism Anti-Stigma Program . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(11), 2778-2796. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kapp, S. K., Gantman, A., & Laugeson, E. A. (2011). Transition to adulthood for high-functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In M.-R. Mohammadi (Eds.), A comprehensive book on autism spectrum disorders, Chapter 25. www.intechopen.comType: OtherCrossref
-
Jonathan M. Campbell , Brian D. Barger (2011). Middle School Students’ Knowledge of Autism . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(6), 732-740. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.OpenAlex
-
Young Shin Kim , Bennett L. Leventhal , Yun-Joo Koh , Éric Fombonne , Eugene Laska , Eun-Chung Lim et al. (2011). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Total Population Sample . American Journal of Psychiatry, 168(9), 904-912. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Ernst VanBergeijk , Ami Klin , Fred Volkmar (2008). Supporting More Able Students on the Autism Spectrum: College and Beyond . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(7), 1359-1370. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Moreno, S., & O’Neal, C. (2008). Tips for teaching high-functioning people with autism. Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Autism Training Sourcebook, pp 105–106. http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/?pageId=437Type: OtherCrossref
-
Paul Shattuck , Jessica Steinberg , Jennifer Yu , Xin Wei , Benjamin P. Cooper , Lynn Newman et al. (2014). Disability Identification and Self-Efficacy among College Students on the Autism Spectrum . Autism Research and Treatment, 2014, 1-7. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gillian Baird (2012). 2.64% of South Korean children aged 7 to 12 have autism spectrum disorders . Evidence Based Mental Health, 15(1), 11-11. BMJ.OpenCitations
-
Stephen J Blumberg , Matthew D Bramlett , Michael D. Kogan , Laura A Schieve , Jessica R Jones , Michael C Lu (2013). Changes in prevalence of parent-reported autism spectrum disorder in school-aged U.S. children: 2007 to 2011-2012. PubMed, (65), 1-11, 1 p following 11.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2103590925OpenAlex
-
Pedro M. Vital , Angelica Ronald , Gregory L. Wallace , Francesca Happé (2009). Relationship between special abilities and autistic‐like traits in a large population‐based sample of 8‐year‐olds . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50(9), 1093-1101. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sanford, C., Newman, L., Wagner, M., Cameto, R., Knokey, A. M., & Shaver, D. (2011). The post-high school outcomes of young adults with disabilities up to 6 years after high school: Key findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2). NCSER 2011-3004. Washington, DC: National Center for Special Education Research, Institute of Education Sciences. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED524044.pdfType: OtherCrossref
-
Lynn Newman , Mary Wagner , Anne-Marie Knokey , Camille Marder , Katherine Nagle , Debra Shaver et al. (2011). The Post-High School Outcomes of Young Adults with Disabilities up to 8 Years after High School: A Report from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2). NCSER 2011-3005. SRI International.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2134612282OpenAlex
-
NR Silton (2012). Silton, N. R., & Fogel, J. (2012). Enhancing positive behavioral intentions of typical children towards children with autism. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 12(2), 139–158. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies, 12(2), 139.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Lawrence Bartak , Michael Rutter , Antony Cox (1975). A Comparative Study of Infantile Autism and Specific Developmental Receptive Language Disorder . British Journal of Psychiatry, 126(2), 127-145. Royal College of Psychiatrists.OpenAlex
-
Stephen J. Blumberg , Matthew D. Bramlett , Michael D. Kogan , Laura A. Schieve , Jessica R. Jones , Michael C. Lu (2013). Changes in Prevalence of Parent-Reported Autism Spectrum Disorder in School-Aged U.S. Children: 2007 to 2011-2012. National Center for Health Statistics Reports. Number 65.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2899353575OpenAlex
-
Emory S. Bogardus (1933). A social distance scale. Open Scholarship Institutional Repository (Washington University in St. Louis), 155.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2902961054OpenAlex
-
(2017). Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies . Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies. Babes-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca.OpenAlex
-
Melvin Seeman , Erving Goffman (1964). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. American Sociological Review, 29(5), 770. SAGE Publications.OpenAlex
-
Steven K. Kapp *Autistic author. Learn more… , Alexander Gantman , Elizabeth A. Laugeson (2011). Transition to Adulthood for High-Functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Contact-less Assessment of In-vivo Body Signals Using Microwave Doppler Radar (InTech).Type: Other OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W7073535949OpenAlex