2009/12/14 by Scott Robertson, Scott Michael Robertson · 5 citations
Neuroscience · Psychology · #Autism Spectrum Disorder Research #Family and Disability Support Research
paper · doi:10.18061/dsq.v30i1.1069
openalex publication_date 2009/12/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/16
This article examines challenges to the quality of life experienced by autistic adults. The author, who is an autistic researcher, first shares how a neurodiversity perspective offers an important alternative to the deficit model of autism. Whereas the deficit model portrays autistic people as ill, broken, and in need of fixing, the neurodiversity perspective portrays it as a form of human diversity with associated strengths and difficulties. The article’s discussion then shifts to presenting Schalock’s (2000) quality of life framework as a neurodiversity-compatible lens through which domains of quality of life can be viewed. The article analyzes in detail these core domains in relation to the lives of autistic adults. The author suggests that a collaborative approach between professionals/researchers and autistic adults is needed to develop meaningful solutions to these challenges, and he presents possibilities for collaboration. KeywordsAutism, Neurodiversity, Quality of life, Autistic Adults