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AUTISM
The medicalization of autism has resulted in increased marginalization, misunderstandings, and insufficient support systems. My research investigates how autistic individuals and the Autistic community can challenge and change the effects of a medicalized and often unfair system.
In my work, I concentrate on the Autistic and broader Neurodivergent communities both in the US and internationally. The historical oppression faced by the Autistic community is well-documented and has led to a deficit view of autism. Nonetheless, autistic people have a strong history of community, resistance, resilience, and self-advocacy, contributing to an alternative social view of autism.
My research explores the forms of resistance, mobilizing efforts, and cultural practices employed by autistic people to transform their experiences from oppressive to liberating. I highlight these themes in my presentations on Neurodiversity and Inclusion; Autism and Society; Disability Rights and Advocacy; and Social Models of Disability.
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PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH
My research investigates participation from multiple perspectives.
I explore the concept of “participation” within my research and professional development. I examine the language we use like “participatory, community-based, co-produced, and collaborative.” I analyze how researchers and practitioners have applied participatory approaches along with any successes or failures leading to prevailing hegemonic outcomes.
I employ participatory methods in my research on autism. Adhering to the principles of reflexive science, I believe that involving people and encouraging their active engagement in research is highly ethical and epistemologically sound. I actively seek input and engagement from autistic people in my written and visual-based research, ensuring their inclusion is central to the dissemination of the research findings.
I aim to create research that engages diverse audiences, oftentimes referred to as public research. I collaborate with local organizations to design useful research and share findings in ways that are meaningful to those involved. I aim to present at interdisciplinary conferences and publish in interdisciplinary journals to reach scholars and practitioners alike. I use my visual projects to contribute to discussions at the local level in meetings, during speaking engagements, and at conferences.
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CRITICAL STUDIES OF AUTISM, DISABILITY, AND CULTURE
In response to the growing resistance to identity politics, my research aims to understand the relationship between identity formation and social justice, and how identity politics serve a purpose for multiply marginalized communities. In my research, I explore how individual and group perspectives and experiences shape the perception of the Autistic community. My scholarship on autism is implemented by identifying and addressing past and ongoing discrimination faced by the Autistic community; collectively connecting around shared social justice goals and advocacy; and through affirming and validating autistic cultural identities, personal experiences, communication styles and community relationships.
My focus on identity formation (internally and externally imposed) examines how constructs of neurodiversity and identity are expressed, challenged, and/or reinforced through advocacy, social activities, and community events. These themes are also addressed in my presentations on Neurodiversity and Inclusion; Disability Rights and Advocacy; and Visual Representations.
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VISUAL METHODOLOGIES
A central methodology to my research is creating community-based ethnographic scholarship incorporating visual methods. Following a reflexive science framework, I view this as a collaborative, interactive process where individuals and communities can express their cultural and personal identities. This iterative process involves shared discussions, interpretations, and design of the visual material. The ethnographic value lies not just in the visual mode itself but also in the social interactions while creating and viewing the project. I define this process as reflexive co-construction.
I use visual methods to explore autism studies by focusing on how everyday practices and relationships can promote communication access, and social and economic inclusion for autistic people. My current research, "Autistic Stimming: A Sensorial Experience," merges ethnographic filmmaking through montage combined with a written creative, experimental approach to ethnography to examine the role of space and place in the lives of autistic individuals.
These topics are also covered in my presentations on Communication as a Human Right, Visual Studies Culture, and Visual Research Methodologies to create what I term innovative “Artful-Scientific” Research.