Self-Stigma of Families of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review

• Published in: Review journal of autism and developmental disorders Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 373 - 388
• Main Authors: Deguchi, Naoko Kumada, Asakura, Takashi, Omiya, Tomoko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-09-2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Autism; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Neurosciences; Psychiatry; Psychology; Rehabilitation; Review Paper; Social Work; Stigma; Scoping review; Families; Self-stigma; Autism spectrum disorder; Social misunderstanding
• ISSN: 2195-7177; 2195-7185
• DOI: 10.1007/s40489-020-00228-5

This review aimed to understand the dimensions of self-stigma that are unique to the families of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the conditions in which self-stigma in families of persons with ASD arises. We reviewed the self-stigma dimensions in families of persons with ASD. Seventeen studies met our inclusion criteria and provided qualitative information on the dimensions of self-stigma. The identified dimensions were social misunderstanding, negative prejudice, social rejection, isolation, emotional reactions, and stigma management. The dimension of social misunderstanding was unique to families of persons with ASD. This review adds insights into self-stigma theory, and, by clarifying the dimensions of self-stigma, suggests areas for future self-stigma research among families of persons with ASD.