Neurodiversity: Autism pride among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders.
Parents can value neurodiversity and still want ABA—ask how they see autism, then match your language.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Cascio (2012) spent time with mothers in autism support groups. She listened to how they talked about autism.
The moms used both pride language and treatment talk in the same breath. The study captured this mix with field notes and group quotes.
What they found
Mothers liked the idea of neurodiversity. They called autism a different way to think, not a broken one.
Yet they still signed up for speech therapy, ABA, and diets. Pride and pursuit of help lived side-by-side.
How this fits with other research
Ferenc et al. (2023) surveyed more moms and got the same vibe. Viewing autism as a difference, not a disorder, cut their stress.
Mathur et al. (2024) tells BCBAs what to do with this fact. The paper says weave neurodiversity into plans, don’t fight it.
Jurek et al. (2023) rounded up parent-training studies. Parents want skills, but they also want respect. The three papers line up: accept identity, offer help, reduce stress.
Why it matters
You can open session one with a simple question: “How do you see your child’s autism?” If the parent says “different brain,” honor that frame while you teach skills. You keep your clinical tools and gain trust.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The neurodiversity movement takes an identity politics approach to autism spectrum disorders, proposing autism spectrum disorders as a positive "neuro-variation" to be approached only with interventions that assist individuals without changing them. This article explicates the concept of neurodiversity and places it within the context of autism spectrum disorders advocacy and treatments. It draws from fieldwork conducted in a midwestern urban center, from June through October 2008, with support groups for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Neurodiverse sentiments were identified within these groups, despite the pursuance of treatments to which some neurodiversity advocates might object. Therefore, although neurodiversity has influenced parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in this sample, its role as a medical advocacy group has not been fully realized. This article attempts to place neurodiversity in better conversation with advocates and medical professionals.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2012 · doi:10.1352/1934-9556-50.3.273