Pathology paradigm

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The pathology paradigm is the worldview which has dominated the sphere of autism research for most its brief history. Within this paradigm, it is held that there is one "right" or "normal" way for human brains to be configured (or one narrow "normal" range into which human brains ought to fall), and that anyone whose brain falls outside of this classification has a flaw which ought to be corrected[1].

Examples of the pathology paradigm at work

  • Classifying autism as a disorder[2]
  • Referring to autism as a global health crisis
  • Research on theories of causation (e.g. Spectrum 10K)
  • Use of medicalised language that frames autism in terms of symptoms and treatment
  • Subjecting autistic children to cruel Behaviorist interventions to train them to act "normal"

References

  1. Throw Away The Master's Tools — Dr. Nick Walker (she/her)
  2. Diagnostic Criteria - Autism Spectrum Disorder — United States Centers for Disease Control