International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR)   Year: 2022 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 118-123 The Public Reactions and Social Stigma faced by Parents of a Child with Autism in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study Download PDF Biruk Befkadu, Margaret E. Adamek, and Debebe Ero Abstract: This study aimed to examine the public reactions and social stigma faced by parents of a child living with autism in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A convenience sample of 12 parents was interviewed. Both positive and negative public reactions were identified: rejection/avoidance, blaming looks, rumors, fisting, pointing fingers, staring, and non-verbal cues as indicators of stigma were reported. Hence, professionals and the concerned bodies should work to raise the awareness of the society in this regard.