M Botha & E Cage

This mixed-method study explored how autism researchers portray autistic people and whether greater inclusion of autistic individuals in research reduces ableist narratives. Findings showed that researchers using medicalised views of autism were more likely to express dehumanising, objectifying, or stigmatising ideas, while those involving autistic people more in their work showed fewer ableist cues. The study also highlighted deep ideological divides in the field and noted how language can subtly perpetuate harmful ideas, including the objectification and marginalisation of autistic people.

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