Rajendran and Mitchell (2007) developed a framework to critique cognitive theories of Autism – the framework operates based on evaluating whether a medicalised ‘Autistic trait’ is universal, specific or unique to Autistics.
The Autism theories in question are ‘Theory of Mind deficit’ first coined by Premack & Woodruff, (1978), ‘Executive Dysfunction’ (Damasio & Maurer, 1978), and Weak Central Coherence (Frith & Happé, 1994). These three theories have dominated psychological research; Rajendran and Mitchell question and challenge these, and in doing so showed these theories to be deeply flawed scientifically speaking and that they cannot be applied consistently enough to satisfy the scientific method.
EFI is a consequence of environments that don’t meet an Autistic individual’s needs; “Autism + Environment = Outcome” (Beardon, 2017, p 11). All humans experience EFI when stressed (Arnsten, 2009), and EFI affects all humans placed in perceived hostile environments (Shields et al., 2016).
My experience of being monotropic yet appearing polytropic and thus having polytropic expectations placed on me, combined with being ADHD and not knowing who I was, why I was different, and the persistent rejection I experienced left me with c-PTSD. Since my discovery, although it was an incredibly difficult grieving process, I can now see that the darkness I had to endure to get to where I am today – a confident and happier woman – was worth it, as I look back at the empty shell that I used to be. Had I remained there, not knowing who I really was, I would have continued to suffer without the growth, which continues today (I see the upkeep of my mental health much the same as housework – never-ending, but essential).
Factors to consider when researching neurodivergence:
- Does the author follow the medical/tragedy, social/autonomous or predicament/meeting need on an individual basis model of Autism?
- How recent a piece is – the more recent, the more reliable the paper (Library, A.C.B, (2020).
- How a piece resonates and relates to the factors which you are researching, which supports the predicament model hypotheses.
- Is pejorative language is used? This can help you understand which lens the author is looking through when reviewing their work.
- Is it Autistic led and does it include Autistic voices?
Identifying Autism as a neurological value rather than a deficit has the potential to save many lives and improve the quality of the lives it saves (Beardon, 2017). This is going to take time but change has to start somewhere. I don’t think anyone wants to be seen as a deficit rather – a valued member of society.
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