FIG. 1.

Theoretical model of causes and impact of autism stigma. Red circles indicate stigma, with Enacted stigma represented by the convergence of public and professional understanding of autism and expressed autistic traits (observed variables). Felt stigma and Affiliate stigma are experienced through Enacted stigma (black arrows). Purple rectangles indicate factors that have a moderating effect on the observed variables. Blue circles indicate the impact of stigma, including Well-being, measured by three observed variables, and camouflaging. Black arrows indicate the direct effects between Enacted stigma and Well-being and Camouflaging, as well as the indirect effects through the effects of Affiliate and Felt stigma. The curved black double- headed arrow illustrates covariance between public and professional understanding of autistic traits and expressed autistic traits, and between Well-being and Camouflaging. The bullet points above the dashed lines indicate interventions that may reduce stigma.