Reading case studies of people with autistic spectrum disorders: a cultural studies approach to issues of disability representation

Abstract

Abstract Autistic spectrum disorders have been described, defined and differentiated from other neurological conditions primarily on the basis of case studies. A small group of highly influential case studies forms a core narrative of autism, which is challenged by other narratives. In this research, analytical techniques from cultural studies are used to uncover the social construction of autism through the production and interpretation of these narratives. The location of power within these narratives is explored through uncovering voice, the use of fictive techniques, intertextuality and other aspects of the texts studied. Acknowledgements An early version of this research was presented at the inaugural conference of the Disability Studies Network at the University of Lancaster in 2003. It represents part of the author's research for the award of PhD at the University of Sunderland. The author would like to acknowledge the support of doctoral supervisors John Storey and Paul Shattock. Notes * School of Arts, Design, Media and Culture/Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland, St Peter's Campus, Sunderland SR6 0LJ, UK. Email: mitzi.waltz@sunderland.ac.uk Additional informationNotes on contributorsMitzi Waltz Footnote* * School of Arts, Design, Media and Culture/Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland, St Peter's Campus, Sunderland SR6 0LJ, UK. Email: mitzi.waltz@sunderland.ac.uk