Stigma and discrimination and how to support children

“Stigma” is a powerful film that explores how stigma affects children and the shame and embarrassment parents and caregivers may experience when others perceive their children as “different.” The film emphasises why speaking openly about these challenges matters and how seeking help can change lives.

Dr. Petra Gronholm and Alex Kennaugh share expert insights, while Sharon and Earle Dowse contribute their lived experiences. Together, they unpack the various forms of stigma, their consequences, and their effects on children’s mental health. The film also provides practical advice to help families support their children, encourage honest conversations, and create a more inclusive and understanding environment.

Learn more about stigma and discrimination

For further reading on coping with stigma, visit our factsheet on stigma.

To see stigma through a real-life lens, read one grandmother’s story about her grandchild’s autism diagnosis.

For a deeper analysis, explore “Understanding Stigma in Autism: A Narrative Review and Theoretical Model” by Alice Turnock ,Kate Langley, and Catherine RG Jones in the National Library of Medicine.

The paper discusses not only the stigma autistic individuals may face but also how caregivers can experience affiliate stigma – stigma by association – which can harm their well-being.

What does stigma mean for kids

Public understanding of autism – and the visibility of autistic traits – shapes stigma. When knowledge is incomplete or based on stereotypes, people often misinterpret autistic behaviours negatively.