Commentary on “Thinking differently? Autism and quality of life”

Purpose:

This paper describes the possible impact of normalisation on perceptions of quality of life, and the impact of this association on the research to date. This commentary reflects on the implications of limiting quality of life research to autistic people who are perceived to be ‘more able’.

Design/methodology/approach:

This commentary discusses the implications of undertaking quality of life research in the field of autism.

Findings:

This commentary argues for further consideration of the autistic voice in quality of life research. Researcher epistemology and life experience, including experience of autistic people are examined, in terms of how quality of life might be perceived and attributed. Further participatory research around quality of life of autistic people, including those with a learning disability, and engagement with a variety of autistic people, are called for.

Originality/value:

This commentary suggests that existing definitions of quality of life, founded on principles of normalisation, may not be completely applicable to autistic people, and that new ways of both defining and measuring quality of life might be needed