Abstract
Findings from the project’s research on community attitudes toward meaningful inclusion of autistic people were shared. Nicole Matthews, PhD presented data from nearly 800 participants across four states (Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Florida) using the project’s newly developed Meaningful Autistic Inclusion Attitude Scale (MAIA), which measures attitudes toward capabilities of autistic people, interpersonal inclusion, impacts of inclusion, and building inclusive communities. Key findings showed that Arizona residents had more positive attitudes toward interpersonal inclusion compared to other states, personal contact with autism positively predicted attitudes toward capabilities and impacts of inclusion, and demographic factors like age, sex, and race/ethnicity significantly influenced attitudes across different factors. The research team discussed implications for training programs and suggested strategies for improving inclusion, including incorporating autistic voices in training materials and working with community partners who have close connections to autism.