Dispelling public misconceptions about autism in the Algerian society: case of Saida city

Abstract EN

Social isolation, discrimination and outright rejection are among the most prevalent encumbrances that autistic individuals face in their lives.

hence, autistics are regularly stigmatized against worldwide, and most of the time this stigma constitutes a real intercultural challenge for the patients and their caregivers.

it could even cause an extreme damage to the patients’ well-being.

in fact, stigma against autism is born out of people’s conceptions and emerging culture in society.

accordingly, the present study examines the various perceptions of Algerians towards autism and autistic individuals.

to collect data, the researcher interviewed autistic children’s parents and three autism specialists.

findings' analysis of the study points to a severe stigma and false conceptions about the disorder in the Algerian society.

these results have practical implications that may help in enhancing the social life of autistic individuals, and contribute in de-stigmatizing this spectrum.