Predictors of Attitudes of Faculty Members Towards Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT In this study, we examined how variables such as the age of faculty members, autism awareness, and readiness to work with individuals with autism predict their attitudes toward individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study included 240 faculty members from various faculties. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that higher autism awareness and readiness to work with students with autism are associated with more positive attitudes towards individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, whereas older faculty members tend to have more negative attitudes. These findings show that faculty members’ awareness and readiness affect their attitudes towards working with students with autism and support their use of universal design principles in education.