A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC PERSPECTIVES ON AUTISM FROM 2015 TO 2023

In 2015, Mitchell and Locke developed a survey assessing knowledge of autism sources, causes, diagnosis age, treatments, testing, and diagnostic symptoms.Utilizing Amazon's MTURK platform, they gathered responses from Americans and Canadians (N = 823) and found adequate autism knowledge.Blancher and Yetman (2023) administered Mitchell and Locke's original survey to a separate sample of Americans and Canadians (N = 858) to compare knowledge between the general population and medical students.The present study used data from these two published studies to conduct a comparative analysis using z-tests of two independent proportions.We analyzed survey response percentages from 2015 (Group 1) and 2023 (Group 2) samples to examine changes in autism knowledge within the general population over time.Regarding sources of information, media remained the top source of information about autism in both samples, but knowledge from doctors, clinics, schools, and personal experiences (8% to almost 32%) significantly increased in Group 2. Genetic and neurological causes continued to be the most commonly reported etiology of autism, while belief in vaccines as a cause declined significantly in Group 2 (4%).In regard to age of onset, participants in both groups accurately identified the age of onset for autism as 18-24 months, with no significant changes between the two samples.Doctors remained the top-rated resource for help in both years, and reliance on the internet and parent organizations decreased in favor of health departments and early interventionists.Regarding diagnostic testing, psychological, educational, and developmental assessments were consistently viewed as the most appropriate methods for evaluating autism, while ratings for speech and language evaluations and blood work declined.Good symptom knowledge was noted in both groups; however, there was a slight decrease in correctly identifying non-diagnostic traits such as illogical thinking and violent behavior.Concerning intervention, behavioral therapies and parent training were rated as the most effective treatment options in both years, with a significant increase in the endorsement of play therapy in Group 2. Perceptions of drugs as an appropriate treatment option decreased notably (19.8% to 11.0%), while physical exercise gained greater support in the 2023 sample.The comparison of Group 1 and Group 2 survey data highlights positive shifts in public understanding of autism; however, errors and misperception persist.These findings support the importance of ongoing public education efforts and leveraging platforms like social media to enhance awareness and support for autistic individuals.