54% of Poles get their knowledge of autism from movies and TV series. Almost half deny people on the spectrum the right to marry, even fewer want them to have children of their own. One in 10 Poles believes that autism is caused by vaccines. There is still a lot of work to be done.

What is the knowledge of Poles about autism? We checked it out! Together with a research agency, we conducted the National Autism Awareness Survey, which clearly shows how little our society knows about the spectrum.

It was a great effort. A nationwide survey of autism knowledge. 1102 people forming a representative sample. Precisely selected according to gender, age, education and place of residence. Before you the result. What do Poles know about autism?

83% of Poles have encountered the term autism. According to these figures, the vast majority of the public knows what autism is. However, as much as 95% of the public cannot explain exactly what the disorder is. Considering that more than half of Poles get their knowledge of autism from movies and TV series, the result is not surprising.

Ignorance breeds prejudice. Most Poles associate autism with negative traits and behaviors. The lack of acceptance also manifests itself in other aspects of life. If asked directly - Poles have no problem with people with autism being around them. However, they deny them the right to have children or get married.

However, we see a light at the tunnel! The JiM report shows that contact with autistic people increases knowledge! The vast majority of Poles who have contact with children or people on the spectrum have a deeper knowledge of the disorder. So visibility! Let's take our children everywhere. Let's show them to the world. And the world will understand them.

If we had conducted the same survey a few years ago, I can guess that Poles' knowledge would be much lower. That's why raising awareness is so important!

Let's not be afraid to say what autism is. Let's not be afraid to say that it is. For life.

The entire report of the National Autism Awareness Survey can be downloaded at www.polskananiebiesko.pl

Don't forget to join the action!

Tomasz Michalowicz,
President, JiM Foundation