About the book
Honorable Mention, 2020 Stirling Prize for Best Published Work in Psychological Anthropology, given by the Society for Psychological Anthropology
Honorable Mention, New Millennium Book Award, given by the Society for Medical Anthropology
How youth on the autism spectrum negotiate the contested meanings of neurodiversity
Autism is a deeply contested condition. To some, it is a devastating invader, harming children and isolating them. To others, it is an asset and a distinctive aspect of an individual’s identity. How do young people on the spectrum make sense of this conflict, in the context of their own developing identity?
While most of the research on Asperger’s and related autism conditions has been conducted with individuals or in settings in which people on the spectrum are in the minority, this book draws on two years of ethnographic work in communities that bring people with Asperger’s and related conditions together. It can thus begin to explore a form of autistic culture, through attending to how those on the spectrum make sense of their conditions through shared social practices.
Elizabeth Fein brings her many years of experience in both clinical psychology and psychological anthropology to analyze the connection between neuropsychological difference and culture. She argues that current medical models, which espouse a limited definition, are ill equipped to deal with the challenges of discussing autism-related conditions. Consequently, youths on the autism spectrum reach beyond medicine for their stories of difference and disorder, drawing instead on shared mythologies from popular culture and speculative fiction to conceptualize their experience of changing personhood.
In moving and persuasive prose, Living on the Spectrum illustrates that young people use these stories to pioneer more inclusive understandings of what makes us who we are.
Editions of Living on the Spectrum
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781479889068
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9781479864355
- EBook
- ISBN 9781479873005
- EBook
- ISBN 9781479848164
Read an Excerpt
Honorable Mention, 2020 Stirling Prize for Best Published Work in Psychological Anthropology, given by the Society for Psychological Anthropology
Honorable Mention, New Millennium Book Award, given by the Society for Medical Anthropology
How youth on the autism spectrum negotiate the contested meanings of neurodiversity
Autism is a deeply contested condition. To some, it is a devastating invader, harming children and isolating them. To others, it is an asset and a distinctive aspect of an individual’s identity. How do young people on the spectrum make sense of this conflict, in the context of their own developing identity?
While most of the research on Asperger’s and related autism conditions has been conducted with individuals or in settings in which people on the spectrum are in the minority, this book draws on two years of ethnographic work in communities that bring people with Asperger’s and related conditions together. It can thus begin to explore a form of autistic culture, through attending to how those on the spectrum make sense of their conditions through shared social practices.
Elizabeth Fein brings her many years of experience in both clinical psychology and psychological anthropology to analyze the connection between neuropsychological difference and culture. She argues that current medical models, which espouse a limited definition, are ill equipped to deal with the challenges of discussing autism-related conditions. Consequently, youths on the autism spectrum reach beyond medicine for their stories of difference and disorder, drawing instead on shared mythologies from popular culture and speculative fiction to conceptualize their experience of changing personhood.
In moving and persuasive prose, Living on the Spectrum illustrates that young people use these stories to pioneer more inclusive understandings of what makes us who we are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Living on the Spectrum about?
Honorable Mention, 2020 Stirling Prize for Best Published Work in Psychological Anthropology, given by the Society for Psychological Anthropology
Honorable Mention, New Millennium Book Award, given by the Society for Medical Anthropology
How youth on the autism spectrum negotiate the contested meanings of neurodiversity
Autism is a deeply contested condition. To some, it is a devastating invader, harming children and isolating them. To others, it is an asset and a distinctive aspect of an individual’s identity. How do young people on the spectrum make sense of this conflict, in the context of their own developing identity?
While most of the research on Asperger’s and related autism conditions has been conducted with individuals or in settings in which people on the spectrum are in the minority, this book draws on two years of ethnographic work in communities that bring people with Asperger’s and related conditions together. It can thus begin to explore a form of autistic culture, through attending to how those on the spectrum make sense of their conditions through shared social practices.
Elizabeth Fein brings her many years of experience in both clinical psychology and psychological anthropology to analyze the connection between neuropsychological difference and culture. She argues that current medical models, which espouse a limited definition, are ill equipped to deal with the challenges of discussing autism-related conditions. Consequently, youths on the autism spectrum reach beyond medicine for their stories of difference and disorder, drawing instead on shared mythologies from popular culture and speculative fiction to conceptualize their experience of changing personhood.
In moving and persuasive prose, Living on the Spectrum illustrates that young people use these stories to pioneer more inclusive understandings of what makes us who we are.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Living on the Spectrum?
Health, Relationships and Personal development > Family and health > Coping with / advice about personal, social and health topics > Coping with / advice about neurodevelopmental issues or topics > Coping with / advice about autism spectrum disorder
Where can I read a sample of Living on the Spectrum?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781479889068
How long is Living on the Spectrum and how many pages does it have?
Living on the Spectrum has 304 page(s)
Is Living on the Spectrum part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Anthropologies of American Medicine: Culture, Power, and Practice
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Living on the Spectrum?
Elizabeth Fein
Who is the Publisher of the book Living on the Spectrum?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Living on the Spectrum is available as paperback(ISBN 9781479889068) and altformat(ISBN 9781479864355) and ebook(ISBN 9781479873005) and ebook(ISBN 9781479848164)
Where can I buy Living on the Spectrum online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Living on the Spectrum from below
Where can I buy Living on the Spectrum?