Theatre as a tool to reduce autism stigma? evaluating ‘Beyond Spectrums'
Anthony Massa, Danielle DeNigris, Kristen Gillespie‐Lynch
Abstract
Drawing from ‘intergroup contact theory,’ which states that direct contact between groups can reduce biases, we developed a theatrical intervention to provide members of a college community with positive contact with autistic people and their stories. Autistic people helped create and perform the piece. Audience responses revealed reduced stigma towards and increased knowledge about autism following the performance. Audience members reported that the performance was informative and effective, with the potential to transform attitudes toward autism. Future theatre-based anti-stigma interventions should develop increasingly more collaborative, immersive and entertaining ways of addressing misconceptions and fostering high-quality contact with diversity.