Abstract

Storytelling has been proposed as a meaningful way to facilitate empathy and connection, particularly across neurotypes. The present study examined whether a live storytelling event influenced perceptions of the autism community, empathy, and interpersonal connection, while also exploring differences on biological sex and levels of autistic traits. Participants completed pre- and post-event measures assessing relationship perceptions and connection, along with standardized measures of empathy and autistic traits. Results showed a significant increase in positive perceptions of the autism community and perceived closeness to storytellers after the event. Engagement, emotional impact, openness, and motivation to support the autism community were all strongly associated with increased connection, with motivation to support the autism community showing one of the strongest relationships. The ability to relate to autistic perspectives was also consistently associated with outcomes and was independent of pre-event perspectives. No significant differences emerged based on biological sex or level of autistic traits, suggesting similar effects across groups. Findings align with the Double Empathy Problem and support storytelling as an effective method for facilitating empathy and shared understanding across neurotypes.

Degree

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Communication Disorders

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/