Researching autism from a sociological perspective

Autism research can be said to have been dominated by biological and psychological theory and practice, usually with a subsequent normative and remedial focus. Critical and sociological research although growing in the field often remains hidden, or at least poorly invested in. This presentation introduces the audience to exemplars of social research in the field of autism studies in order to show their potential benefit, and addresses the priorities listed in the recent James Lind Alliance project from a social model / sociological perspective. The presentation concludes with recommendations for ways to move this much needed work forward.