The Foundations of Autistic Flourishing

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAll people —including Autistic people—deserve to live flourishing lives. But what does a flourishing life look like for Autistic people? We suggest that the hidden biases, methodological errors, and key assumptions of autism science have obscured answers to this question. Here, we seek to initiate a broade r discussion about what the foundations for a good Autistic life might be and how this discussion might be framed.Recent FindingsWe identify five ways in which autism science can help us all to secure those foundations, including by (1) giving Autistic well-being prominence in research, (2) amplifying Autistic autonomy, (3) attending better to everyday experiences, (4) acknowledging context, and (5) working in partnership with Autistic people and their families and allies to ensure that they are at the heart of research decision-making.SummarySuch an approach would direct the focus of autism research to help shape good Autistic lives.
Source: Current Psychiatry Reports - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research