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.

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