Implicit (Unconscious) Bias & Being Autistic
A Definition
Implicit bias is shaped by experience and based on learned associations between particular qualities and social categories.
Implicit bias is an aspect of implicit social cognition: the phenomenon that perceptions, attitudes and stereotypes operate without conscious intention.
(Greenwald, AG & Banaji, MR(1995)’Implicit social cognition: attitudes, self-esteem and stereotypes’ Psychological Review)
Ingroups
Our individual perceptions and behaviours can be influenced by the implicit stereotypes that we hold, even if we are unaware or unintentionally hold such stereotypes.
In general terms ingroups are social groups to which
- we psychologically identify as being a member
- we feel more familiar and easy around.
Our ingroup is the group we aspire to belong to. This is often the group that we believe to be in power.
While we typically see ourselves according to categories such as gender or age, psychological membership of social groups covers a far wider range of singularities. This can change over time and context.
Ingroups & Autism
Being autistic means never feeling like we fit in!
We also don’t recognise the same hierarchy as allistics (non autistics).
So, are our implicit biases any different? Probably not! However allistics do have an innate implicit bias towards autistics. In turn neurodivergents can also have the implicit bias that allistics will not want to accept us into the ingroup and that turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Autistics also have their ingroups and will gravitate towards each other. This can lead to implicit bias against allistics.
Outgroups
In general terms outgroups are social groups to which
- we do not identify as being a member
- we feel unfamiliar with and uneasy around
We can be suspicious of the unfamiliar so it’s important to name this for ourselves so that we can explore our response, rather than resort to our assumptions.
Outgroups & Autism
Autistics are used to being part of the outgroup. Perhaps too familiar with this concept. Some autistics may see it as a badge of honour to be part of the outgroup. Autistics can get so used to being marginalised that they can perhaps marginalise themselves for that feeling of familiarity of the unfamiliar. Autistics can often feel that at all times they are on the outside looking in and can assume that all allistics are on the inside looking out.
It’s vitally important that we don’t resort to grand sweeping assumptions whatever our neurotype.
Micro Behaviours
Micro behaviours are small messages that we convey everyday through:
Facial expressions and eye contact
Body language
Tone of voice
Proximity to another person
Your questions and interactions
These behaviours can send strong signals about how we perceive others. These signals may be affirming or discouraging.
Looking at our micro behaviours can alert us to our implicit biases.
These micro behaviours vary depending on whether we are autistic or allistic.
Allistic facial expressions and eye contact are very different to autistic facial expressions.
If allistics are with other allistics the understanding of these are easy.
If autistics are with other autistics the understanding of these are easy.
The problem of course is when autistics and allistics meet. The misunderstanding of something as fundamental as eye contact can have catastrophic consequences for both sides. Unfortunately, the onus is always on the autistic to change their behaviour to mimic the allistic so that the allistic can understand and feel comfortable. Allistics never feel incumbent to change their behaviour or to understand how an autistic uses (or doesn’t use) eye contact.
Practical Steps
Individual Actions
We tend to think our first response must be true – slow down and think the evidence through clearly
Pay attention to your own micro behaviours
Try turning your biases around – How might you respond to somebody else?
Seek input from friends and colleagues who bring different perspectives
Find commonalities with all you work with – don’t look for differences
Collective Actions
Share some of your biases
Respectfully challenge each other where you believe bias may be influencing decisions
Invite feedback from others
In collective decision making allow time to review for bias, paying attention to the assessment criteria and the language you use to justify any conclusions
Use counter stereotypical examples around the organisation and in media
