What I wish I knew before I was diagnosed (autism)
CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (the ethnography project led by Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes) is delighted to welcome Samantha Chipman, MA on Friday, November 15, 3-4 p.m. EST (12-1 p.m. PST). There is no cost to attend, and international participants are welcome. RSVP online though our borderless Meetup group https://tinyurl.com/245u475u
DESCRIPTION: A Brief Introduction to Autism Narratives + what I wish I knew before I was diagnosed. A term that means differently in varying contexts, Autism is inflected by medical definitions, narratives, personal experiences, and other aspects of society, culture, medicine, and healthcare. In this dialogue, I will discuss how to integrate Autism narratives to provide healthcare for Autists. As one of many women with a late Autism diagnosis, I will also share some of my reflections on my Autism journey in order to open an interactive discussion on alternate models of engagement that de-centers a deficit-only view of Autism.
BRIEF BIO (provided by the speaker): A disability advocate and Chinese adoptee, Samantha Chipman focuses on cognitive approaches to literature, autism and neurodiversity, disability studies, and the health humanities. She has a passion for mobilizing the interconnections between literature, bioethics, and archival research to advance disability justice and health equity in educational and healthcare environments. An English PhD student and Bioethics certificate candidate at Emory University, she has written and presented about various topics including epistemic injustices experienced by women and girls with autism, decolonizing autism, the AI ethics of autism diagnosis, restorative justice in healthcare settings, and narrative ethics. Samantha is also co-founder of Intersecting Minds: A NeuroHumanities & Consciousness Collective, a collaborative, welcoming, and inclusive space for individuals interested in the neurohumanities and consciousness studies.
About CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (the ethnography project led by Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes). An 'ethnography' is an exploration of how a group of people express themselves in a cultural way. Autistic people have a growing kind of culture, and each autistic experience is a vital part of it. Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, ethnographer, primatologist, and author who is autistic. Join her for an exploration of the importance of autistic self-expression and the culture that grows from it. Those who wish to share their content are free to do so on our private Facebook group (see below), organically contributing to a growing autistic culture.
Links to online events will also be shared on these private Facebook groups: SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY FOR AUTISM (http://tinyurl.com/mrxnxmnc) or CASY Cultural Autism Studies... The Ethnography Project (http://tinyurl.com/4ckbyut7).
CREDITS: The preparation of this material was financed under an agreement with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities (CTCDD). CASY Sparks membership, activities and events are free. CASY Sparks is sponsored in part by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund, and a generous gift from the Rosen family, and the research of Dr. Roger Jou, including Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK) Clinical Site Network - Yale University (https://www.SPARKforAutism.org/Yale).
Understanding autism is an evolving journey that encompasses various narratives and experiences. In many cases, late diagnoses, particularly among women, reveal a wealth of untold stories that highlight the unique strengths and challenges faced by autistic individuals. A key aspect in navigating autism lies in education—both personal and societal. Autism is not merely a medical condition; it is a cultural identity that is shaped by shared experiences. This understanding urges us to shift away from deficit-only perspectives to a more nuanced appreciation of autistic cultures. The CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse autism narratives into healthcare practices. These narratives provide crucial context, enabling healthcare professionals to offer more empathetic and tailored support to autistic individuals. Participants can engage with ongoing projects that highlight autistic voices, aiming to foster a richer cultural narrative and drive disability justice efforts. Additionally, platforms like Intersecting Minds create inclusive environments where literature, ethics, and disability intersect, promoting awareness and understanding in academia and beyond. As more people share their experiences with autism, the collective knowledge base grows, contributing to a greater appreciation of neurodiversity. Resources such as Meetup groups and social media platforms further connect those interested in exploring autism through various lenses, allowing for genuine interactions and shared learning. This connectivity is crucial for building supportive communities that honor the individuality of autistic lives.
