The rise in autism in the past two decades has sparked numerous attempts to comprehend it. Some people have unsubstantiated beliefs about vaccines being the cause, while others have focused on finding a genetic explanation.
Autistic Intelligence
In 2022, a book, “Autistic Intelligence: Interaction, Individuality, and the Challenges of Diagnosis” by Jason Turowetz and Douglas W. Maynard, brought a new perspective on autism. Its highlight was that Autism is not an inherent condition but rather emerges through complex interactions between clinicians, children, and families.
The book won two American Sociological Association awards in 2024 for its unique approach to autism as both a category and a set of strengths.
Essentially, the Authors challenge the traditional way of measuring autistic behavior and instead encourage readers to see it as a sensible and valuable aspect of human diversity.
Their extensive ethnographic study, based on hundreds of hours of video recordings at a diagnostic clinic, unveils the fluid and context-dependent nature of autism diagnoses, highlighting that they are not fixed labels but rather the product of dynamic processes.
Diagnosis is a crucial step in accessing services
Dr Turowetz explains that while diagnosis is a crucial step in accessing services, it can be viewed from a more positive light, recognizing the distinct forms of intelligence and interaction present in individuals with autism. This reframing can help reduce stigma and promote acceptance and understanding of autistic individuals.
Most scholars have shared their opinion about the book, Dr. Harvey Molotch being one of them, describing it as an “authoritative challenge to conventional public and expert orientations toward autism. While others, such as Dr. Jennifer L. Horschler, have praised the book for its thorough analysis and approach to studying autism through an interdisciplinary lens.
The Author, Jason Turowetz, who teaches courses on social inequality, race, and culture at UCSB, expresses his broader interest in exploring how people construct shared meaning in complex environments through this project. According to Lisa Hajjar, chair of the sociology department at UCSB, Turowetz’s research expertise greatly enhances his teaching abilities.
As more individuals are diagnosed with autism, their work prompts crucial inquiries related to personalized diagnosis methods and redefining the concept of intelligence. The authors assert that thoroughly examining conversations and contexts surrounding diagnoses is crucial in this pursuit.
Autism Diagnosis and Assistance in Sacramento
Do you need assistance related to autism? At Sacramento ABA, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate the world with autism with a loved one on the spectrum. Perhaps your child has been recently diagnosed, and you are unsure of what steps to take next. Or maybe you have been living with a family member or friend on the spectrum for years but still struggle to understand their unique needs and perspectives fully.
At Sacramento ABA Therapy, we offer personalized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and support services for individuals with autism of all ages. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance and resources tailored to your specific needs.
