The Stigmatization of Autism – Why it’s Still Present and How it Affects Women and Individuals Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB)

Author

Emma Drauer, University of Central FloridaFollow

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

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