Bias in Autism - Implicit and Explicit Bias.

Bias in autism can broadly be categorized into implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) bias, both of which play significant roles in perpetuating inequality and discrimination.  Implicit Bias refers to automatic and unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence behavior and decision-making, often to the detriment of autistic individuals by perpetuating stereotypes and inequities. Explicit Bias involves conscious and deliberate prejudices or discriminatory actions against autistic individuals, leading to overt discrimination, stigmatization, and exclusion. [Read more on Implicit and Explicit Bias]

PlainSpeak: Bias in autism can be divided into two main types: implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) bias. Both play big roles in keeping unfair treatment and inequality going. Implicit Bias means having automatic, hidden thoughts or feelings about autism that affect actions and decisions without realizing it, often causing unfair treatment. Explicit Bias is when someone knowingly and openly has negative thoughts or treats autistic people unfairly, leading to clear acts of discrimination and exclusion [ Read more on Implicit & Explicit Bias - PlainSpeak Version] 

How Unconscious and Conscious Bias Affect Autistics

In PlainSpeak, Plain Language for the Lay Reader 

In our journey towards a fair and inclusive society, it's important to understand the different types of biases that affect how we think about and treat people, especially those with autism. Bias can be divided into two main types: implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) bias. Both play big roles in keeping unfair treatment and inequality going.

Implicit Bias

Implicit bias, also known as unconscious bias, refers to the automatic and unintentional thoughts or stereotypes we have about certain groups, even if we don't realize it. These biases are deep in our subconscious and can affect our actions and decisions without us knowing. For example, someone might unknowingly associate certain racial groups with negative traits, even if they believe in fairness and equality.

Impact on the Autism Community

For people with autism, implicit biases can show up in different ways:

• Healthcare: Doctors might unknowingly underestimate the pain or discomfort that autistic people feel, leading to poor care or wrong diagnoses. These hidden biases can result in less effective healthcare for autistic individuals (van Ryn & Fu, 2003).

• Education: Teachers might not expect as much from autistic students, which can hurt their chances to learn and succeed. This could mean keeping autistic students in separate special education classes instead of including them in regular classes, or treating them differently in the classroom, affecting the quality of their education.

• Employment: During hiring, employers might overlook autistic candidates, even if they are qualified for the job. This keeps unemployment rates high among autistic adults and limits their ability to be financially independent.

Recognizing and dealing with implicit bias is crucial for promoting diversity, fairness, and inclusion in all parts of society. Tools like the Implicit Association Test (IAT) can help people discover their hidden biases, so they can work on reducing them in their actions and decisions.

Explicit Bias

Explicit bias, on the other hand, is when people deliberately hold prejudiced views or discriminate against specific groups. Unlike implicit bias, explicit bias is clear and recognized by the person who holds these beliefs. For example, someone who openly says negative things about people of a certain ethnicity is showing explicit bias.

Impact on the Autism Community

Explicit bias against autistic individuals can take many forms:

• Hate Speech and Discrimination: Autistic people might face obvious discrimination or bullying at school, work, or in social settings. This can lead to feeling isolated, anxious, and depressed.

• Discriminatory Policies: Explicit biases can shape policies that hurt autistic people. For example, not providing the right support or accommodations in schools or workplaces can limit their opportunities.

• Stigma and Stereotyping: Explicit biases keep harmful stereotypes about autism going, like the idea that autistic individuals can't contribute meaningfully to society. These stereotypes can hurt their self-esteem and mental health, making it harder for them to fit in.

Addressing Bias in Autism

Understanding and addressing both implicit and explicit biases is important to create a fairer and more inclusive society for autistic people. Here are some steps we can take:

• Education and Awareness: Teaching people about autism and the biases that affect autistic individuals can help reduce both types of bias. Campaigns and programs can challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.

• Policy and Advocacy: Supporting policies that help the rights and needs of autistic people is essential. This includes making sure they have access to good healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

• Training and Development: Training professionals in healthcare, education, and other fields to recognize and deal with their biases can lead to fairer treatment and better outcomes for autistic individuals.

• Community Engagement: Involving the autism community and listening to autistic voices in decisions can make sure their needs and perspectives are included. This helps build a society where autistic individuals are valued and respected.

Implicit and explicit bias

In the quest for a more equitable and inclusive society, it is crucial to understand the different forms of bias that influence our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward individuals or groups, particularly those with autism. Bias can broadly be categorized into implicit (unconscious) and explicit (conscious) bias, both of which play significant roles in perpetuating inequality and discrimination. 

Implicit Bias

Implicit (unconscious) bias, refers to automatic and unintentional attitudes or stereotypes that individuals hold about certain groups, even when they are unaware of these biases. These biases are deeply ingrained in our subconscious minds and can influence our actions and decisions without conscious awareness. For example, a person may hold implicit biases that lead them to associate certain racial groups with negative traits or behaviors, despite consciously believing in equality and fairness.

In the context of autism, implicit biases can manifest in various ways:

• Healthcare: Healthcare providers might unconsciously underestimate the pain or discomfort expressed by autistic individuals, leading to inadequate care or misdiagnosis. Implicit biases can affect clinical judgments and patient interactions, often resulting in suboptimal healthcare outcomes for autistic individuals (van Ryn & Fu, 2003).

• Education: Educators might unconsciously hold lower expectations for autistic students, impacting their educational opportunities and achievements. Implicit biases can lead to autistics kept in segregated special education rather than mainstreamed or differential treatment in the classroom, affecting the quality of education that autistic students receive.

• Employment: Implicit biases in hiring processes can result in autistic candidates being overlooked for job opportunities, despite having the necessary qualifications. This perpetuates high unemployment rates among autistic adults and limits their economic independence. 

Recognizing and addressing implicit bias is essential for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all areas of society. Tools such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT) can help individuals identify their unconscious biases, enabling them to take steps toward mitigating these biases in their interactions and decisions.

Explicit Bias

Explicit (conscious) bias, on the other hand, is deliberate prejudice or discrimination against specific groups of people. Unlike implicit bias, explicit bias is readily recognized by the individual holding these beliefs. For instance, an individual openly expressing discriminatory attitudes or engaging in discriminatory behaviors toward people of a certain ethnicity demonstrates explicit bias.

Explicit bias against autistic individuals can take many forms:

• Hate Speech and Discrimination: Autistic individuals might face overt discrimination or bullying in social, educational, or workplace settings. This can lead to increased social isolation, anxiety, and depression among those affected.

• Discriminatory Policies: Explicit biases can influence the creation and implementation of policies that disadvantage autistic individuals. For example, policies that do not provide adequate accommodations in schools or workplaces can limit the opportunities available to autistic people.

• Stigma and Stereotyping: Explicit biases contribute to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes about autism, such as the belief that autistic individuals are incapable of contributing meaningfully to society. These stereotypes can negatively affect the self-esteem and mental health of autistic individuals and hinder their social integration.

Addressing Bias in Autism

Both implicit and explicit biases are important to understand and address to promote a more equitable and inclusive society for autistic individuals. Here are some steps that can be taken:

1. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about autism and the biases that affect autistic individuals can help reduce both implicit and explicit biases. Educational programs and campaigns can challenge stereotypes and promote understanding and acceptance.

2. Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support the rights and needs of autistic individuals is essential. This includes ensuring access to appropriate healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

3. Training and Development: Providing training for professionals in healthcare, education, and other fields can help them recognize and address their biases. This can lead to more equitable treatment and better outcomes for autistic individuals.

4. Community Engagement: Engaging with the autism community and including autistic voices in decision-making processes can ensure that their needs and perspectives are considered. This promotes a more inclusive society where autistic individuals are valued and respected.

By understanding and addressing both implicit and explicit biases, we can work towards a society that is truly inclusive and equitable for all individuals, including those with autism.

References

• van Ryn, M., & Fu, S. S. (2003). Paved with good intentions: Do public health and human service providers contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in health?. American Journal of Public Health, 93(2), 248-255.
• Project Implicit. (n.d.). About the IAT. Retrieved from Project Implicit