Do We Need Autistic Autism Researchers to Understand Autism? Cover Image

Do We Need Autistic Autism Researchers to Understand Autism?
Do We Need Autistic Autism Researchers to Understand Autism?

Author(s): Agnieszka Kędra
Subject(s): Neuropsychology, Clinical psychology
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: Autism; autistic researchers; autism research; theory of mind; neurodiversity; double empathy;

Summary/Abstract: The assumption that autistic individuals do not have the theory of mind – the social-cognitive ability to understand other people by attributing mental states to them – has been widespread in the psychological literature. However, the empirical evidence from the original research and its replications failed to prove and support autistic mind-blindness. Yet, it is still present in literature on autism spectrum. Meanwhile, convincing research, that has been conducted among autistic researchers and their allies, is often overlooked by non-autistic specialists. This paper focuses on how autistic autism researchers have been influencing their field of study and how academy can benefit from their work.

  • Issue Year: 14/2023
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 24-37
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English