From disorder to difference

Authors

Abstract

In Chapter 1, the author will introduce readers to different theoretical models through which autism has been conceptualised. They will contrast long standing medical models of autism (which frame autism as a disorder that needs to be cured and remediated) with the move towards more social models of autism (which acknowledge that autistic people are disabled by barriers in society, as opposed to their autistic characteristics). The author explains how adopting a medical model perspective, and receiving intervention in line with this model, could have negative impacts on the mental health of autistic children and young people (CYP). Central to these discussions will be a focus on the relationship between service users and therapists. Drawing on the ‘double empathy problem’, the authors will discuss how autistic CYP may struggle to understand and empathise with non-autistic professionals, but – crucially – the reverse may also be true. Finally, an experience sensitive approach is described as a way to move from someone else’s narrative – often centred on behaviour to lived experiences of young people. The latter may maximise the possibilities for scientist practitioners to understand and respond to autistic people’s perceived needs and a greater real-life impact in areas that they have chosen for themselves.

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