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ScholarWorks > HHS > Social Work > JSSW > Vol. 51 > Iss. 1 (2024)

 

Keywords

Autisitic research, disability justice, Autism research, critical theory, participatory research

Abstract

Traditional research practices that aim to find causes, cures, and fixes for autism, without meaningful involvement of Autistic individuals, undermine disability justice and the inherent value of the Autistic perspective and Autistic contributions to society. Limited studies address the process of inclusive research and upholding disability justice principles; therefore this paper presents the process of a participatory planning stage for a research study committed to disability justice and social change for Autistic people. Drawing from the principles of disability justice, including intersectionality, leadership, anti-capitalism, cross-movement organizing, and collective liberation, the paper outlines both the successes and obstacles encountered during the planning stage. Through methods such as participant observation, documentary research, and unstructured interviews, this paper displays the process of actively engaging Ottawa’s adult autism community in the development and execution of research, promoting community priorities and fostering meaningful inclusion strategies. It contributes to the advancement of disability justice and emphasizes the importance of centering the voices and agency of Autistic individuals in research endeavors. By including the adult autism community in a meaningful way, this research diverges from conventional autism practices by engaging Ottawa’s community in critical and emancipatory autism research.

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