Autism Charities Portray Autistic People as Helpless and a Burden: Our Research Shows Why it Matters

Autism charities in England and Wales often portray autistic people as problems to be solved, using language and images that reinforce negative stereotypes. Our recent study found that these charities depict autistic people as needy, infantile, and in need of change, while portraying themselves as experts and authorities on behalf of autistic people. This language and imagery have negative consequences for wider societal attitudes towards autistic people, perpetuating stigma and reinforcing the idea that autism is a disorder to be "fixed".

Key Takeaways:

• Large autism charities in England and Wales portray autistic people as problems, using language and images that reinforce negative stereotypes.
• Autistic people are frequently depicted as needy, infantile, and in need of change, while charities represent themselves as experts and authorities on behalf of autistic people.
• Charities use language and imagery that perpetuates the "non-disabled saviour" trope, highlighting the action of non-disabled people "saving" disabled people rather than centring disabled people's agency.
• Charities and governments need to rethink the current system of service provision and funding, which often leaves charities overstretched and autistic people underserved.
• Meaningful autistic representation at every level of charity leadership, including decision-making roles, is crucial to changing the way autistic people are portrayed and understood.
• Charities should convey the reality of autistic lives rather than leaning on outdated notions of pity or burden.

Statistics:

• 11 large autism charities in England and Wales were identified in the study, all with incomes of £10 million or more and providing support to autistic adults, children, or both.
• Every single charity depicted autistic people as needing to change, with common changes sought including improved communication and resilience.
• Charities portrayed government as a barrier to effective service provision, with funding and policy decisions described as arbitrary and inconsistent.
• Charities described their own need for more funding and increased recognition, using language that perpetuated the "non-disabled saviour" trope.

Sources:

• Abnett, H., Williams, K., & Grant, A. (2023). Autism charities portray autistic people as helpless and a burden – our research shows why it matters. The Conversation -- UK.
• Autism charities portray autistic people as helpless and a burden – our research shows why it matters. The Conversation -- UK. 2023.
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