Supporting Autistic Culture in Defining Autistic Identity

Abstract

Late diagnosed Autistic adults who are also practicing artists are very likely to have clues about their identities expressed in their work. This gives them the opportunity to reevaluate their meaning through a more accurate lens and proper context. It also challenges viewers and audiences to do the same and to confront misconceptions. These biases are likely to extend across all forms of cultural production. This leaves Autistic and disabled artists with a very small and unrecognized footprint in our current cultural landscape. This needs to be rectified by rejecting outmoded stereotypes and establishing committed programs of engagement with Autistic culture by our public institutions.