Spaces on the Spectrum: How Autism Movements Resist Experts and Create Knowledge

Catherine Tan's book Spaces on the Spectrum explores two autism-focused movements, the autistic rights and alternative biomedical movements, which challenge dominant frameworks and provide insights into the roles of shared identity and communal networks in movements that question scientific and medical authority.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The growing visibility of movements that challenge conventional understandings of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disability, is a significant development. Catherine Tan, through her extensive ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews with participants, delves into two autism-focused movements, shedding new light on how members contest expert authority. In her insightful analysis, Tan examines the separate struggles of these movements to gain legitimacy and represent the autistic community. She develops a novel account of the importance of social movements as spaces for constructing knowledge that aims to challenge dominant frameworks.

Spaces on the Spectrum explores the autistic rights and alternative biomedical movements, which present contrasting perspectives on autism. While both movements offer valuable insights into the development of ideas that challenge dominant beliefs, they differ in their approaches. The autistic rights movement is primarily composed of autistic adults who advocate for the acceptance of autism as a natural human variation, rather than a disorder. They seek social and cultural inclusion, as well as policy changes to improve the lives of autistic individuals. On the other hand, the alternative biomedical movement is dominated by parents and practitioners who believe in the disproven idea that vaccines trigger autism and advocate for scientifically unsupported treatments to reverse it. These movements position themselves in opposition to researchers, professionals, and parents outside their communities.

Spaces on the Spectrum provides timely insights into the roles of shared identity and communal networks in movements that question scientific and medical authority. Tan's research highlights the importance of these factors in shaping the narratives and strategies of these movements. By examining the experiences and perspectives of autistic individuals, as well as the broader social and political context, Tan offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by these movements.

In conclusion, Spaces on the Spectrum is a valuable contribution to the study of social movements and autism. Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Tan provides a deeper understanding of the complexities and dynamics of these movements, challenging dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and understanding society for autistic individuals.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231206136