Beyond Autistic Stereotypes

Autism is a rapidly transforming research field. Changing diagnostic criteria, the rise of the neurodiversity movement, and the influence of participatory autism research are key factors contributing to paradigm shifts in understanding and approaches. Beyond Autistic Stereotypes shares new findings from research spanning the arts and sciences that challenge current autistic stereotypes. It extends our understanding of autistic cognition and communication, autistic identity, relationships between neurodivergence and creativity, and the roles of place, space and sensory issues (a core feature of autistic experience) in shaping autistic subjectivity. The book brings together a diversity of perspectives and multidisciplinary voices, embracing contributions from autistic scholars, and researchers and practitioners working across a broad range of disciplines, including creative health, cognitive psychology, phenomenology, cognitive ecology, education, ethnography, and healthcare. It also covers a wide range of topics, from diagnostic approaches, sensory and educational environments, and theoretical models of autistic learning and experience to autoethnographic accounts of lived experience, autistic creativity, and creative practices, such as participatory arts initiatives, music therapy, neurophototherapy, and clowning.