Adults' versus children's perceptions of a child with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

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Adults' versus children's perceptions of a child with autism or

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Harnum M, Duffy J, Ferguson DA.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2007 Aug;37(7):1337-43.

The present study examined public perceptions toward children with

autism or with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A

convenience sample was used consisting of 30 children (7-12-year-olds)

and 30 adults. Participants read a stereotyped scenario featuring either

a child with autism, a child with ADHD, or a normal child. Child

participants were significantly more likely than adults to (a) express

dislike/avoidance toward a child described with either stereotypic

autistic or ADHD behaviors, and ( perceive the child with ADHD as

unlike themselves. However, child participants and adults were equally

likely to see the autistic child as unlike themselves. Reasons for the

different perceptions of children and adults may include differences in

perceived threat and in categorization.

PMID: 17080272

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