Navajo and autism: the beauty of harmony

Abstract

With so much unknown about autism, the disability tends to reflect the socio-cultural preconceptions people project onto it. The predominant narrative in Western society of autism as a "disease" within the medical model contrasts with the more positive, empowering view of autism as a "difference" in the social model and neurodiversity movement. Society has also discriminated against and disabled the Navajo Native Americans since the arrival of Euro-Americans. Navajos resiliently balance between exercising self-determination within their own Nation and adapting to outside society, with a culture that remains remarkably intact. The Navajo thus presented exceptional opportunity for cross-cultural analysis. It suggested that the traditional Navajo social constructs of harmony and beauty, as encompassed by a wellness philsophy called Hozho, better serve the needs of Autistic people than the Western notion of "progress" through science and technology.

Under-detection of autism among First Nations children in British Columbia, Canada

“…None of the publications included First Nations children in BC diagnosed with autism and only one paper about First Nations and autism was found (Kapp, 2011) …”

Exploring autism and music interventions through a First Nations lens

“…Zealand and the United States of America contexts (see Bevan-Brown, 2013;Kapp, 2011), in which the importance of cultural sensitivity is emphasized. Involving Elders could be beneficial in this context (see (Bartleet, Bennett, Marsh, Power & Sutherland, 2014, in Australian context).…”

“…DiGuiseppi, Durkin, Giarelli et al, 2009;& Kapp, 2011). In conclusion, I noted "It is essential that barriers of ethnic bias, discrimination and the impact of historical oppression are eliminated to ensure that First Nations and other aboriginal children with autism have the possibilities to reach their full potential and that their rights are recognized and respected" (Lindblom, 2014(Lindblom, , p. 1257).…”

“…One is about the Navajo in the United States of America, henceforth USA, (Kapp, 2011) and the other concerns the Māori context in New Zealand (Bevan-Brown, 2013). Indigenous Peoples are diverse and views cannot be generalized.…”

“…However, these examples can broaden the understanding of how worldviews can affect the life of a First Nations child with ASD. Kapp (2011) explains Navajo philosophy as favorable for individuals with ASD as there is an acceptance of diversity. Furthermore, Western culture is described as disabling and the Navajo culture as empowering.…”