Autism, Neurodiversity and Stigma: Political and Inclusive Perspectives

Abstract

Movements of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families have been increasing and gaining strength in Brazil and worldwide. The neurodiversity movement understands that autism is part of a person’s personality, not a disease that must be cured. The study addresses the neurodiversity movement in the context of ASD, discussing its relations with scientific evidence. From a theoretical study, we saw that the medical model still seems to be the most adopted in Brazilian research about inclusion, which may influence stigma and negative and distorted views about the differences presented by people with ASD. Among other aspects, the importance of the participation of people with ASD and/or their family members in the development of research related to them is highlighted, seeking to promote scientific and academic practices that listen, respect and be inspired by neurodiversity.