Abstract
We examined the influence of sociometric status and the interactive effects of sociometric status and causal information on peers’ initial impressions of an unfamiliar child with autism. Children (N = 576) enrolled in regular education completed sociometric nominations and responded to videotapes of a child portraying autistic behavior. In contrast to sociometrically average and rejected children, neglected children reported more negative attitudes toward the child with autism and less willingness to engage in academic activities with him. Popular children did not differ from other sociometric groups on self-reported attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the child with autism. We predicted that popular children would be the most responsive to causal information about autism; however, rejected children reported more willingness to engage in activities with the child with autism in the presence of explanatory information when compared to other sociometric groups.
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Campbell, J.M., Ferguson, J.E., Herzinger, C.V. et al. Peers’ Attitudes Toward Autism Differ Across Sociometric Groups: An Exploratory Investigation. J Dev Phys Disabil 17, 281–298 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-4386-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-4386-8