My work explores how neurotypicality creates resource disparities between different forms of autism advocacy. Resources focused on framing neurodiversity in neurotypical frameworks in hopes of ‘treating’ or ‘curing’ autism often have high recognition and resource access. Neurobiological frameworks of autism focus on genetic deviance as a source of ‘disease’. Researchers must contextualize advancements in the scientific understanding of autism within their historic roots in the eugenics movement. Conceptions of autism and its signs and symptoms as biologically deviant contribute to programs such as applied behavioral analysis which downregulate stimming behavior. Stimming represents a key communication tool, functional behavior, and coping mechanism for autistic individuals. The institutionalization of applied behavioral analysis through schools and government programs makes this program more accessible for autism stakeholders despite its widespread criticism from autistic individuals.
To translate these ideas into accessible, visually engaging content, I created two pieces of art. The first focuses on representing stimming through visual and physical movement. It engages with concepts of stimming from different advocacy groups and the impact of such rhetoric on autistic individuals. The second piece focuses on depicting autism stakeholders, and the influence of neurotypical and neurodiverse conceptions of autism. I will additionally submit a 5-page analysis paper, and both pieces will feature in-depth captions to promote accessibility.
My initial goal was to create a body of artwork representing the connection between my time working as an ABA therapist and the past and present history of autism’s existence within society. While the format of this project has not changed, my critical analysis of autism advocacy and resource availability has grown since the beginning of my project.