A journey to realize an autistic's rights

Kintzinger, R., Côté, S., & Gandhi, A. (2023). A journey to realize an autistic's rights. In The Routledge International Handbook of Disability Human Rights Hierarchies (pp. 58-74). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003410089-6

Publication date: 29 Aug 2023 Added to AutiHub: 12 Aug 2026 Type: Book chapter Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
3
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 3 (33.3%)

Abstract

Rebekah Kintzinger didn’t always know she was autistic. This article describes her lived experiences as an autism advocate, who, despite growing up lining up toys and not being able to stand the sound of her sister chewing, did not receive a proper diagnosis until adulthood. It is a reality that rights for autistics begin with a proper diagnosis, and, as with most disabilities, diagnosis is a gateway to support and services in society. However, diagnosis criteria for autism exclude females on the spectrum and impede their quality of life due to later diagnosis. By sharing her lived experiences navigating the world as an unknown autistic for most of her life, it is Rebekah’s hope that her story clarifies how autism presents itself in women as well as her journey to becoming an advocate for autistic rights.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

No cited bibliography is currently integrated for this reference. This does not necessarily mean that no bibliography exists.