University students’ attitudes toward individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Egypt

Abstract

This study examined predictors of university students’ attitudes toward individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Egypt. A total of 307 university students were asked to complete measures of attitudes toward individuals with ASD, knowledge of ASD, quantity and quality of direct contact with individuals with ASD, media exposure as a form of indirect contact, as well as a brief demographic questionnaire. Results suggested that students held rather neutral to slightly positive attitudes toward individuals with ASD. Both media exposure and contact quantity emerged as significant predictors of attitudes; however, among those who had direct contact with individuals with ASD, quantity and quality of contact emerged as significant. The findings of the current study highlight the significant role of positive contacts in forming attitudes and provide further support for the importance of developing positive interactions with individuals with ASD, and thus enhance their social inclusion in the wider community.