Positive identity development is a crucial task for transitioning adults with disabilities to achieve successful societal inclusion (Forber-Pratt et al., 2017; Mueller, 2021; Schwartz et al., 2013). Young adults with autism often face prejudice, negative attitudes, and discrimination, leading to internalized stigma (Han et al., 2022). This stigma results in poorly developed disability and vocational identities, which negatively impact employment outcomes (Corby et al., 2019; Richard & Hennekam, 2021; Yanchak et al., 2005). Consequently, young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significantly lower employment rates compared to other individuals with disabilities (Lee et al., 2024; Roux et al., 2013).
This study explores whether Disability Pride and associated beliefs and values can replace internalized stigma with a more positive self-view to build political advocacy skills and whether political advocacy skills translate to adaptive career behavior. The project narrative outlines a randomized controlled trial of an Internet-based Autism Pride intervention for young adults with ASD. The focus is on how Autism Pride, through an affirmed disability identity and increased socio-political awareness and advocacy skills, impacts self-advocacy and adaptive behavior at work.
For over five decades, disability advocates and communities have emphasized the importance of the Pride movement. However, empirical studies on this topic are scarce, particularly intervention studies (Park & Richard, in progress). This study seeks to innovatively integrate the voices and efforts of disability advocates with academic research to create a novel online intervention. Directionality and causal relationships among pride intervention, disability identity, socio-political advocacy, and career adaptability are explored in this study.
