Beyond biomedicine: challenging conventional conceptualisations of autism spectrum conditions

Abstract

The dominant biomedical model of autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) has yielded genetic and cognitive theories which have enhanced the understanding of the phenomenon. However, despite this valuable contribution, the methodologies of biomedicine have significant limitations including the preclusion of alternative lenses through which to view ASCs. This article considers evidence from a number of fields, including psychological anthropology, social constructionism and critical disability studies, which augment the conventional framing of ASCs by avoiding projecting deficiency where there is difference. Furthermore, the narratives promulgated about ASCs through pathologising diagnostic labels and stereotypical media depictions are explored. Equitable outcomes for autistic people necessitate increased academic and professional awareness of alternative paradigms of ASCs.

Points of Interest

• The way autism is researched and explained often ignores social influences.

• Although autism is described as a disorder of social interaction and communication, many communities of autistic people have formed.

• Although there are benefits of diagnostic labels of autism, they can cause problems for people who receive them.

• The way autism is represented in the media can place unrealistic expectations on autistic people and their families.

• Parents may feel pressured to accept diagnostic labels for their children and may be confused by the range of treatment options available. However, many of these treatment options are not scientifically supported and may make life worse for autistic people

Keywords:

• Autism
• biomedicine
• cognitive theories
• autistic communities
• pathologising labels
• autism commodification