Evaluating Parental Autism Disclosure Strategies

The relative effects of different autism disclosure methods on the perceptions of a mother-child dyad were investigated. Using three conditions, disclosure card, disclosure bracelet, and no disclosure, U.S. community parents (N = 383) were asked 18 questions about their perceptions of the dyad. An ANOVA revealed significant protection from stigma for those in either disclosure condition compared to the no disclosure condition on two factors, Critical of the Mother/Child and Need to Protect Own Child, as well as a single item, Embarrassment for the Mother. These results reinforce findings that disclosure may effectively and efficiently reduce negative perceptions. The availability of multiple, effective methods of disclosure that reduce stigma allows parents to choose the method that best suits their individual preferences.