Keywords
autism; stigma; women; afab
Abstract
The intent of this thesis is to explain some key factors (the theory of mind notion and the narrow perception of autism) that contribute to the stigmatization of autism and the impact this has on autistic women. Autistic women are heavily underrepresented, especially in the scholarly discourse, so this thesis collected first person accounts of autistic experiences through a survey and interviews. This data revealed important information such as the benefits of a diagnosis, how stigma can prevent this and have consequences, and the struggles autistic women face. Unmasking these struggles can help make the general public aware of their contributions to this stigma and give them some tools to help remove and stop the negative impact it has on autistic women.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Brenckle, Martha
College
College of Arts and Humanities
Department
Department of Writing and Rhetoric
Thesis Discipline
Disability Rhetoric
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
Subjects
Autistic women; Stigmatization--Psychological aspects; Autism--Social aspects; Women with disabilities--Psychology; Gender identity--Research
STARS Citation
Drauer, Emma, "The Stigmatization of Autism – Why it’s Still Present and How it Affects Women and Individuals Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB)" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 361.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/361
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