Social Activism in the Autistic Community: Perceived Discrimination Predicts Disengagement

In an online-survey, participants (n=111 self- or professionally-diagnosed people with autism) indicated their social/political advocacy, internalized stigma, and perceived discrimination. Those perceiving more discrimination were less involved in advocacy and needed less acceptance from others, despite internalized stigma. Depression or learned helplessness might explain this disengagement by the most aggrieved.