Deficit, difference, or both? Autism and neurodiversity.

2012/04/30 by Steven K. Kapp, Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, Kristen Gillespie‐Lynch +2 · 1,213 citations
Neuroscience · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Autism #Autism Spectrum Disorder Research #Child Development and Digital Technology #Developmental psychology #Family and Disability Support Research #Psychology

paper · open access · doi:10.1037/a0028353

published in Developmental Psychology 49(1), 59-71 (American Psychological Association)

openalex publication_date 2012/04/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/03

Abstract

The neurodiversity movement challenges the medical model's interest in causation and cure, celebrating autism as an inseparable aspect of identity. Using an online survey, we examined the perceived opposition between the medical model and the neurodiversity movement by assessing conceptions of autism and neurodiversity among people with different relations to autism. Participants (N = 657) included autistic people, relatives and friends of autistic people, and people with no specified relation to autism. Self-identification as autistic and neurodiversity awareness were associated with viewing autism as a positive identity that needs no cure, suggesting core differences between the medical model and the neurodiversity movement. Nevertheless, results suggested substantial overlap between these approaches to autism. Recognition of the negative aspects of autism and endorsement of parenting practices that celebrate and ameliorate but do not eliminate autism did not differ based on relation to autism or awareness of neurodiversity. These findings suggest a deficit-as-difference conception of autism wherein neurological conditions may represent equally valid pathways within human diversity. Potential areas of common ground in research and practice regarding autism are discussed.

Citations

• Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Total Population Sample

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