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

Waldock, Krysia Emily (2019) Commentary on “Thinking differently? Autism and quality of life”. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 24 (2). pp. 77-81. ISSN 1359-5474. (doi:10.1108/TLDR-02-2019-0006) (KAR id:74112)

Abstract

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

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1108/TLDR-02-2019-0006
Uncontrolled keywords: autism; participatory research; co-production; quality of life; learning disability; normalization
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Krysia Waldock
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2019 11:24 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 00:13 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/74112 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Waldock, Krysia Emily.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9631-3930
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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