Current trends in autism research—the helpful & the harmful
autside.substack.com
A recent article at Embrace Autism discusses the main focuses of autism research, their origins, and their impact on the autistic community. It highlights two traditional trends in autism research: deficit-based narratives and the search for genetic causes. Deficit-based narratives focus on characterizing autistic individuals as "impaired" compared to neurotypical individuals, often downplaying instances where autistics demonstrate positive qualities. The pursuit of genetic causes often aims to prevent autism in future generations, which goes against the wishes of the autistic community.
The article explains how these research trends are harmful to the autistic community. They contribute to a lack of support and inclusivity, justify unethical research practices, and prioritize finding ways to treat or cure autism rather than addressing the needs of autistic individuals. The article argues for a more neurodiversity-affirming approach to research, which values autistic perspectives, prioritizes mental health, and increases inclusivity and accessibility.
Neurodiversity-affirming research practices involve prioritizing autistic voices in defining research needs, designing studies, and participating as researchers. It also emphasizes accessible research, recognizing intersectionality in autism experiences, and challenging ableism. The article discusses the benefits of these research practices, such as allocating research funds to benefit the autistic community, designing studies that make sense for autistic individuals, and promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
Current trends in autism research—the helpful & the harmful
Current trends in autism research—the helpful & the harmful
Current trends in autism research—the helpful & the harmful
A recent article at Embrace Autism discusses the main focuses of autism research, their origins, and their impact on the autistic community. It highlights two traditional trends in autism research: deficit-based narratives and the search for genetic causes. Deficit-based narratives focus on characterizing autistic individuals as "impaired" compared to neurotypical individuals, often downplaying instances where autistics demonstrate positive qualities. The pursuit of genetic causes often aims to prevent autism in future generations, which goes against the wishes of the autistic community.
The article explains how these research trends are harmful to the autistic community. They contribute to a lack of support and inclusivity, justify unethical research practices, and prioritize finding ways to treat or cure autism rather than addressing the needs of autistic individuals. The article argues for a more neurodiversity-affirming approach to research, which values autistic perspectives, prioritizes mental health, and increases inclusivity and accessibility.
Neurodiversity-affirming research practices involve prioritizing autistic voices in defining research needs, designing studies, and participating as researchers. It also emphasizes accessible research, recognizing intersectionality in autism experiences, and challenging ableism. The article discusses the benefits of these research practices, such as allocating research funds to benefit the autistic community, designing studies that make sense for autistic individuals, and promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
Check it out and let me know what you think.