The autism worldview dilemma: to normalise or not to normalise, that is the question

Added on 01/11/2024

Type de contenu

Journal article of the type Scientific research ( ; english)

Nick Chown * , Shona Murphy * , Elsa Suckle
The autism worldview dilemma: to normalise or not to normalise, that is the question published in the journal "Good autism practice" n°24, vol.2, 7 pages , doi: 10.31235/osf.io/musf5

*Two co-authors had publicly identified as autistic. [Learn more about this mention]

=> Unrestricted access and free

Summary/Presentation

All three authors are members of the Independent Autism Research Group. Nick Chown has undertaken extensive autism research. Shona Murphy is a graduate teaching assistant at Edge Hill University and is researching autistic parental experiences of being accused of fabricated or induced illness. Elsa Suckle is a lecturer in SpLD/Dyslexia and Inclusion at Bath Spa University and has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent students in Higher and Further Education. This paper should be read by all who live and work with autistic children and adults. It serves to question the perspective we take and the potential outcomes. Three perspectives or paradigms are described – the medical model, radical behaviourism and the neurodivergent-affirmative model. Each derives from a different view of autism and so differ in their methods, with little common ground, termed by the authors as the 'autism worldview dilemma.' The authors argue that the most respectful and positive paradigm in terms of process and outcome is the neurodivergent perspective. This is gathering momentum as autistic communities and other neurodivergent groups take to social media and have greater visibility in research and the workplace. There is also now more effective and frequent consultation with autistic people on decisions which affect them. The Editor welcomes papers from those who have changed their perspective over the years giving their rationale and commentary for the journey they have taken.

For your information:

(1) References in blue are resources listed on our site.

(2) Authors listed in this bibliography whose names are in color have published other resources referenced on the site. Clicking on the name allows you to see the list of resources they have published and shared on the site.

(3) Authors whose names are followed by an asterisk have publicly disclosed being autistic.

  • L. Borg Skoglund (2020). "ADHD Från duktig flicka till utbränd kvinna." Stockholm: Natur & Kultur.

  • A. Capuano, K. Killu (2021). "Understanding and addressing pseudoscientific practices in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders: considerations for applied behavior analysis practitioners." Behavioral Interventions, 36(1), doi:10.1002/bin.1816

  • Z. Chappell, S.M.I. Jeppsson (2023). "Recovery without normalisation: it’s not necessary to be normal, not even in psychiatry." Clinical Ethics, doi:10.1177/14777509231165880

  • R. Flower, L. Dickens, D. Hedley (2019). "Barriers to employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: perceptions of autistic and non-autistic job candidates during a simulated job interview." Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 63(7), doi:10.1089/aut.2020.0075

  • D. Henderson, S. Wayland, J. White (2023). "Is this autism? A companion guide for diagnosis." New York, US: Routledge.

  • S. Horlock (2019). "Girls Group: Respecting the female identity of girls with autism in a school setting." In B. Carpenter, F. Happe, J. Egerton (Eds.), Girls and autism: educational, family and personal perspectives. London: Routledge.

  • M. Lai, L. Hull, W. Mandy et al. (2021). "Commentary: ‘Camouflaging’ in autistic people – reflection on Fombonne (2020)." Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 62(8), doi:10.1111/jcpp.13344

  • D. Miller, J. Rees, A. Pearson* (2021). "Masking is life: experiences of masking in autistic and non-autistic adults." Autism in Adulthood, 3(4), doi:10.1089/aut.2020.0083

  • J. Nordell (2021). "The end of bias: how we change our minds." London: Granta.

  • Office for National Statistics (2021). "How has lockdown changed our relationship with nature?" www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/articles/howhaslockdownchangedourrelationshipwithnature/2021-04-26

  • A. Pearson*, K. Rose* (2021). "A conceptual analysis of autistic masking: understanding the narrative of stigma and the illusion of choice." Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), doi:10.1089/aut.2020.0043

  • D.M. Raymaker*, A.R. Teo, N.A. Steckler et al. (2020). "Having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew: defining autistic burnout." Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), doi:10.1089/aut.2019.0079

  • K. Rose* (2017). "How to hide your autism." The Autistic Advocate. (Source)

  • E.M.A. Späth, K.R. Jongsma (2020). "Autism, autonomy, and authenticity." Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 23(1), doi:10.1007/s11019-019-09909-3

  • J.A. Springs (2018). "Healthy conflict in contemporary American society: from enemy to adversary." Cambridge University Press.

  • M. Tomasello (1999). "The cultural origins of human cognition." Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

  • M. Yergeau (2018). "Authoring autism: on rhetoric and neurological queerness." Durham & London: Duke University Press.


 
Summarize/Comment on/Translate this reference?