IMAGINING A FRIEND WITH AN AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER: INCLUSION STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL RELATIONS

People with disabilities can be viewed negatively and labelled with negative stereotypes because of their health status (Harder et al., 2022).This condition, known as ableism, also affects people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), who may experience discrimination from childhood (Turnock et al., 2022).In order to find possible useful solutions and to address Agenda 2030's goals, this study aims to find inclusion strategies through a writing activity.As imagining a positive relationship with a person from a different group can reduce negative attitudes (see Crisp & Turner, 2009), it was hypothesized that the content of an imagined text about a friendship relationship can provide important insight to promote social inclusion.Specifically, as autistic spectrum disorder is one of the diagnoses with greater deficits in terms of social and relational abilities, the study aimed to identify useful actions to promote friendship with people with this disability.Participants were 26 university students (M = 2; F = 24) in the fourth year of a degree course in primary education (Mage = 27.38;SD = 6.80).They enrolled in the workshop "writing and inclusion" and, among the activities, they were also asked to write a text in which they had to imagine that one of their closest friends is a person with an autistic spectrum disorder.Specifically, they were asked to describe how they became friends, what connects them and what they do when they are together.A content analysis was performed.Results from the students' texts showed that school was the most common setting in which friendships had started.Interest in sports, films, painting were the reasons for creating a bond during childhood and being curious, sharing an experience, being informed about ASD, having parents who become friends are elements that can foster this friendship.This relation is seen as an opportunity to develop a new perspective, to appreciate the value of small things and to understand each other beyond words.In adulthood, friends continue to do some activities together (e.g., walking in nature, going to the cinema), although possible problems are also taken into account.To reduce social isolation of people with disabilities, especially people with autistic spectrum disorders, promoting openness as a personality trait and knowledge about the condition (individual level actions), shared experiences (educational interventions), friendships between parents (familiar level actions) can be useful to reduce isolation and promote lasting friendships.Strengths, limits and educational interventions of this study are discussed.