Curricula May Not Apply: “Abnormal” Exceptions Speak Back to the Curriculum

Rudkin, G., Warrington, K. L., Wilson, E., Iley, B., & Zisk, A. H. (2025). Curricula May Not Apply: “Abnormal” Exceptions Speak Back to the Curriculum. Teaching of Psychology, 53(2), 141-150. https://doi.org/10.1177/00986283251328986

Publication date: 13 Apr 2025 Added to AutiHub: 7 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

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Authors

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5
Publication authors identified as autistic
5 / 5 (100.0%)

Abstract

Introduction Developing antiableist psychology curricula requires a system-wide approach that promotes inclusion and values knowledge at all levels. As a collective of autistic researchers, we explored how current curriculum structures impede inclusiveness. Statement of the Problem Both historically and currently within research, neurodivergent psychology is largely segregated under abnormal psychology. This segregation pervades into teaching, where educators position Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, and Abled (WEIRDA) psychology as human psychology, implicitly excluding others from humanity. Literature Review Literature highlights that psychology centers on a medical model view of neurodivergence, a perspective at odds with the views of neurodivergent people. Understanding neurodivergence only regarding how these groups differ from WEIRDA norms reinforces stereotypes and understandings of neurodivergent people. Teaching Implications Consideration of neurodiversity within psychology curricula should be updated in line with neurodiversity-affirming research, with WEIRDA psychology named accurately. The voices of neurodivergent staff/students should be reflected in curriculum content. Neurotypical and neurodivergent psychology should be addressed together within topics. Conclusion Positioning WEIRDA psychology as human psychology directly opposes the aims of an antiableist psychology curriculum. We recommend actionable steps to reduce the exclusion and segregation of marginalized voices and, therefore, support meaningful change.

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Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
16 / 95 (16.8%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
29 / 217 (13.4%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 29 / 66 (43.9%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 22 / 208 (10.6%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
66 / 217 (30.4%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 58 / 208 (27.9%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
37 / 66 (56.1%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 37 / 217 (17.1%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 36 / 58 (62.1%).
2 cited bibliography entries could not be fully enriched from DOI metadata.
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