The image of autism in the Polish press 2009-2020 and the role of first-person testimonies.

Abstract

This study examines the representation of autism in Polish press discourse from 2009 to 2020 in five major Polish daily newspapers, specifically focusing on the influence of first-person testimonies of autistic individuals. Quantitative discourse analysis was conducted using deductive coding of 1352 press articles concerning ASC. In analyzed press reports, autism was primarily portrayed as a negative and deficit-laden phenomenon that should be addressed by bringing autistic people in line with the neurotypical majority, reinforcing social stereotypes and stigma. Autistic people's perspective was mostly neglected. However, when autistic people's voice and first-person perspective was presented, as in the case of 3.7% of the analyzed media, such stereotypical and negative perspectives on ASC significantly changed for the better.Research outcomes highlight the disparities in autism portrayal, particularly contrasting the deficit-driven narratives with perspectives emerging from the inclusion of first-person narratives. The latter can mitigate harmful stereotypes and promote a more accurate and positive understanding of autism. Treating autistic people as an essential source of information about themselves significantly changes the press image of autism and may indirectly contribute to their quality of life.