Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1993

Thesis Director

Gail J. Richard

Abstract

A perceptual rating scale evaluating appropriateness/inappropriateness of eight communicative behaviors was designed to determine if the general population perceives adult individuals with high functioning autism as different. In addition, the rating scale results were examined to determine which of the eight communicative characteristics were perceived as most different. The results were also evaluated to determine if a rating difference between genders existed.

The subjects consisted of 453 college students who viewed videotaped interviews with five individuals, two considered "normal" and three diagnosed with high functioning autism who had received varying levels of remediation. After viewing each interview, subjects rated the interviewee based on the communicative behaviors indicated on the rating scale form.

Results were analyzed by computer and statistical information yielded significance in all areas examined. The general population did perceive the individuals with high functioning autism as different. Female viewers rated the individuals with autism more favorably than male viewers. Characteristics perceived as most different were body posture, conversation effectiveness, and level of comfort, whereas word choice and eye contact were rated as least different for the individuals with high functioning autism.

These findings indicate that the general population did perceive individuals with high functioning autism as significantly different than the "normal" population, as measured by the examiner's rating scale. Degree of significance varied consistently with the degree of remediation for the autism disorder. Further research should expand this data base in determining specific characteristics which best respond to remediation and most significantly influence the perceptions of the general population.

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