The meaning of autism

Beyond disorder

Bibliographic Data

ID12313822
AuthorsSara O’Neil (University of Windsor, corresponding author), Sara O'Neil
Year2008
Volume23
Issue7
Pages787-799
Publication date2008-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueDisability & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0968-7599 • E-ISSN: 1360-0508
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09687590802469289
OpenAlexW1984343639
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited44

The incidence of autism spectrum disorders has increased dramatically over the past two decades, yet these disorders are still poorly understood. By considering the viewpoints of autistics themselves, together with evidence from the scientific literature, it becomes clear that autism spectrum disorders are not always the debilitating conditions that they are sometimes portrayed as. In fact, they are often associated with a number of strengths. With a focus on the areas of intelligence, communication, social skills and stereotyped/repetitive behaviours, this article calls into question the idea that autism is a traditional disorder and argues that a new inclusive dialogue on the meaning of autism should be considered

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Focus (optics · Meaning (existential · Psychotherapist · Viewpoints · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders · Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders · Psychology

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