Autism as metaphor: narrative and counter‐narrative

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Broderick, A. A. & Ne'eman, A. (2008). Autism as metaphor: narrative and counter‐narrative. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 12(5-6), 459-476. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603110802377490

Publication date: 1 Sep 2008 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
  1. Alicia A. Broderick
  2. Ari Ne'eman *

Abstract

In this paper we explore the significance of metaphor and dominant cultural narratives in current autism discourse. We briefly explore the history of metaphor in autism discourse, and outline the contemporary struggle between the culturally dominant metaphor of autism as disease and the emergent counter‐narrative of autism within neurodiversity. We argue that metaphor serves very specific purposes in autism discourse, including (1) to create a commonsensical narrative congruence between common understandings of autism and currently dominant notions about its aetiology(ies) or causes(s), and (2) to create a commonsensical narrative congruence between common understandings of autism and currently dominant notions about appropriate responses to or interventions for autism. We argue that the bulk of the support for metaphorically framing autism within a disease model comes from within the non‐autistic (‘neurotypical’ or ‘NT’) community, whereas the bulk of the support for metaphorically framing autism within a neurodiversity model comes from within the autistic community (and is inclusive of some non‐autistic allies as well). In exploring these competing cultural narratives, we argue for the crucial import that counter‐narrative can play in the process of cultural critique and resistance to ideological hegemony.

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Cited references
57
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
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Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
0 / 60 (0.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 0 / 5 (0.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 0 / 54 (0.0%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
5 / 60 (8.3%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 4 / 54 (7.4%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
5 / 5 (100.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 5 / 60 (8.3%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 4 / 4 (100.0%).
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