Autism as a Natural Human Variation: Reflections on the Claims of the Neurodiversity Movement
Pier Jaarsma,Stellan Welin +1 more
TL;DR: The effects of DSM categorization and the medical model for high functioning autists, and various possible strategies for the neurodiversity movement to claim extra resources for autists as members of an underprivileged culture without being labelled disabled or as having a disorder are analyzed.
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Abstract: Neurodiversity has remained a controversial concept over the last decade. In its broadest sense the concept of neurodiversity regards atypical neurological development as a normal human difference. The neurodiversity claim contains at least two different aspects. The first aspect is that autism, among other neurological conditions, is first and foremost a natural variation. The other aspect is about conferring rights and in particular value to the neurodiversity condition, demanding recognition and acceptance. Autism can be seen as a natural variation on par with for example homosexuality. The broad version of the neurodiversity claim, covering low-functioning as well as high-functioning autism, is problematic. Only a narrow conception of neurodiversity, referring exclusively to high-functioning autists, is reasonable. We will discuss the effects of DSM categorization and the medical model for high functioning autists. After a discussion of autism as a culture we will analyze various possible strategies for the neurodiversity movement to claim extra resources for autists as members of an underprivileged culture without being labelled disabled or as having a disorder. We will discuss their vulnerable status as a group and what obligation that confers on the majority of neurotypicals.
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Citations
The Wellbeing of People with Neurodiverse Conditions
Andrew M. Colombo-Dougovito,Suzanna Rocco Dillon,Elias Mpofu,Elias Mpofu,Elias Mpofu +4 more
- 01 Jan 2020
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors define and characterize neurodiversity in human populations and the associated community health-related implications, and provide a brief history of the research and practice with people with neurodivergent conditions, addressing their health and wellbeing.
Autistic sociality: challenging representations of autism and human-animal interactions
Pia Vollmers,Barbara E. Gibson,Yani Hamdani +2 more
TL;DR: The representation of autism and human-animal interactions in the health sciences literature emphasizes therapeutic goals and normalization of social functioning. HAI is employed as a therapy to address improvements in problematic behaviours and "deficits" in social functioning and development.
Kohti neuromoninaisempaa kaupunkia
TL;DR: Neurodiversity in Finnish urban planning needs further consideration. Neurodiverse cities promote inclusion, accessibility, and participation of neurodivergent people.
Navigating a jeopardising career on the thin blue line of ability vs disability: Neurodivergent police experiences at work
Michelle O’Reilly,Alison Drewett +1 more
Abstract: Some populations experience inequalities, including issues of gaining and retaining employment. One group impacted are neurodivergent individuals. This is pertinent in careers that carry higher demands, like policing. We interviewed 37 neurodivergent police officers and staff about their careers. Analysis created five themes: (1) self-identity, relating to how they saw themselves in terms of their autism or ADHD; (2) revealing their condition, with reflections on telling others; (3) advantages for policing, referring to how their characteristics were of benefit to the organisation; (4) challenges in the workplace, considering how they encountered some difficulties because of their neurodivergent characteristics; and (5) reasonable adjustments, in relation to some of the benefits and difficulties in mobilising resources to support them. We identified areas where police organisations could change their approach and culture to optimise neurodivergent strengths and capitalise on benefits to the organisation. We conclude with several recommendations for policing practice.
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