ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is becoming more common in society. This study investigated the perceptions individuals have on ASD to see if there was a connection between demographics such as age and education level and knowledge of ASD. The study also attempted to find any relationships between an individual knowing someone with autism personally and the affect that has on the perceptions of ASD. The demographics and perceptions of society in relation to ASD were measured using the Facts and Perceptions of Autism questionnaire. The results confirmed that there was a positive correlation between education level, knowing someone personally with ASD, and the perceptions individuals have on ASD. This information will help remove the misinformation that society has about ASD as well as lead future studies on how to educate the part of society that is not highly educated or does not personally know someone who has ASD.