Considering the Autistic advantage in qualitative research: the strengths of Autistic researchers

Grant, A. & Kara, H. (2021). Considering the Autistic advantage in qualitative research: the strengths of Autistic researchers. Contemporary Social Science, 16(5), 589-603. https://doi.org/10.1080/21582041.2021.1998589

Publication date: 8 Nov 2021 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)

Abstract

Autism is often viewed as an impairment, preventing Autistic individuals from achieving success in the world. We argue that, Autism can be an enhancement, particularly in some professional contexts, including qualitative research. However, Autistic people experience higher rates of unemployment and underemployment (lower skills/part-time). The social model of neurodiversity highlights the role of inaccessible workplaces and practices. Alongside this, the concept of the ‘Autistic Advantage', a strengths-based model, emphasises the ways in which Autistic people are assets to the social structures in which they exist. Two late diagnosed Autistic women, acknowledged as qualitative research experts, review the literature on Disability, neurodiversity and research; outline their own professional strengths; discuss their professional strengths in the light of the literature; and make recommendations for Autistic researchers and their neurotypical colleagues. Autistic qualities and preferences can be strengths in qualitative research teams. This includes long periods of concentration (hyperfocus), leading to ‘flow’ and creative thinking, attention to detail, and detailed knowledge of topic areas that are of interest to the individual. We conclude that qualitative research teams can benefit from working inclusively with Autistic researchers. We present guidance to facilitate inclusive working, without which Autistic researchers may be Disabled by their work environment

Bibliography cited by this reference

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

Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:30.

Cited references
73
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
21 / 73 (28.8%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
40 / 178 (22.5%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 40 / 94 (42.6%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 25 / 152 (16.4%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
94 / 178 (52.8%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 70 / 152 (46.1%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
54 / 94 (57.4%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 54 / 178 (30.3%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 45 / 70 (64.3%).
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