Autism, Disability, and Being Well in Place: Towards a Relational and Intersectional Understanding of Autistic Wellbeing

Abstract

Neighbourhood environments are increasingly being recognised as settings within which people experience well- or ill-being. However, Autistic people are seldom considered in wellbeing research, which often centres on neurotypical experiences of places. Autistic people's encounters within places, and the effects of these encounters on their wellbeing, are therefore under-researched and under-theorised. This paper considers how a relational conceptualisation of wellbeing, in conjunction with an intersectional understanding of Autistic identities, might bring together insights from critical autism studies and geographies of wellbeing to map out the relationship between autism, place, and wellbeing. Recognising that neuro-normative social landscapes often disable Autistic individuals, we argue for a relational and intersectional approach to understanding and enhancing Autistic wellbeing. We advocate for designing inclusive spaces that actively support the wellbeing of Autistic people, highlighting the vital role we, as geographers, can play in transforming socio-spatial structures to address diverse needs and foster a more equitable environment for everyone.