Autism, Neurodiversity, and Inclusion: Striving for Greater Social Justice through Narrative and Supported Engagement

Abstract: According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 36 children per year are diagnosed with autism. Data from several years ago identified that 1 in 45 adults is autistic. Autism is a complex phenomenon that can be characterized in a number of ways—as a disorder, a disability, as part of neurodiversity, or as an identity. Autistic individuals are as diverse as neurotypical individuals. Autistic individuals may or may not have an intellectual disability, may or may not have communication difficulties, and may or may not have difficulties with social engagement. What many, if not most autistic adults experience, however, is a lack of inclusivity. Autistic adults experience inequity in healthcare and other key indicators of social well-being, including employment, housing, and political engagement. The panelists in this session will discuss a model of engagement that respects the relational autonomy and individuality of autistic adults and focuses on strengths rather than deficits. This panel is comprised of a graduate literature student, a philosopher, a lawyer-ethicist, and a lawyer-humanist. The first panelist is an autistic adult who will discuss how to integrate narrative into providing healthcare for autistic patients. The second panelist will discuss how the social pressure of masking autistic characteristics reflects social injustice. The last two panelists will discuss a model of supported engagement which builds upon the burgeoning concept of supported decision making, giving voice to and recognizing the substantial contributions that autistic adults can make to their communities and to the broader society.