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Unveiling the Poetics of Autism: A Transformative Journey from the DSM to Robinson Crusoe's Corporealities

Joseph Conrad

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Published in Autistic Disturbances: Theorizing Autism Poetics From The DSM To Robinson Crusoe (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

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: Theorizing Autism Poetics

Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, has long been defined by its perceived deficits and deviations from societal norms. However, recent scholarship in disability studies and literary studies has challenged these narrow conceptions, opening up new avenues for exploring the rich and multifaceted experiences of autistic individuals. " Theorizing Autism Poetics: From the DSM to Robinson Crusoe Corporealities " takes a groundbreaking step in this direction, offering a comprehensive analysis of the ways in which autistic subjectivity, embodiment, and language are constructed and represented in literature.

Beyond the DSM: Deconstructing Diagnostic Categories

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DisFree Downloads (DSM),widely used in psychiatry and psychology, has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of autism. However, as scholars such as Susannah Mintz and Nick Chown argue, the DSM's criteria for autism rely on deficit-based assumptions and fail to capture the diversity of autistic experiences.

Autistic Disturbances: Theorizing Autism Poetics from the DSM to Robinson Crusoe (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

by Julia Miele Rodas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1149 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

" Theorizing Autism Poetics " moves beyond the DSM's narrow confines, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the unique ways in which autistic individuals perceive, interpret, and interact with the world. By drawing on insights from fields such as disability studies, neurodiversity, and critical theory, the book challenges the notion of autism as a pathology, instead viewing it as a form of cognitive difference with its own unique strengths and perspectives.

Embodied Subjectivities: Robinson Crusoe's Autistic Corporeality

One of the central contributions of " Theorizing Autism Poetics " is its exploration of the embodied experiences of autistic individuals. Through a close reading of Daniel Defoe's classic novel " Robinson Crusoe, " the book examines how the protagonist's solitary existence on a remote island mirrors the sensory and social challenges faced by many autistic people.

The book argues that Crusoe's physical isolation, his struggles with communication, and his reliance on his body for survival all resonate with the experiences of autistic individuals. By analyzing Crusoe's corporeality as a metaphor for autism, " Theorizing Autism Poetics " provides a nuanced and evocative portrayal of the embodied subjectivity of autistic people.

Language, Narrative, and the Construction of Autistic Experience

Language plays a crucial role in the construction of both autistic and non-autistic identities. In " Theorizing Autism Poetics, " the author examines the ways in which literary narratives shape our understanding of autism and how autistic individuals use language to express their experiences.

The book analyzes diverse literary works, including novels, poetry, and memoirs, to explore how autistic characters are represented and how their voices are mediated through language. It argues that literary narratives offer a unique space for exploring the complexities of autistic subjectivity and challenging societal stereotypes.

Reimagining Autism: Disability, Aesthetics, and Social Justice

" Theorizing Autism Poetics " ultimately aims to reimagine autism, moving away from deficit-based models and towards a more inclusive and empowering understanding of neurodiversity. The book highlights the aesthetic and creative potential of autistic experiences and argues that autistic individuals have valuable contributions to make to our understanding of language, literature, and society.

By advocating for social justice and the rights of autistic people, the book seeks to create a more inclusive world where all individuals, regardless of their neurology, are valued and respected.

: A Poetic Revolution for Autism Understanding

" Theorizing Autism Poetics: From the DSM to Robinson Crusoe Corporealities " is a transformative contribution to the field of autism studies. Through its interdisciplinary approach and innovative analysis of literary narratives, the book challenges conventional notions of autism and offers a profound understanding of the embodied, linguistic, and narrative dimensions of autistic experience.

By reimagining autism as a form of poetic difference, the book empowers autistic individuals, disrupts societal stereotypes, and opens up new possibilities for understanding and celebrating neurodiversity. It is an essential read for anyone interested in autism, disability studies, literary theory, or the exploration of human experience beyond the confines of conventional categories.

Autistic Disturbances: Theorizing Autism Poetics from the DSM to Robinson Crusoe (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

by Julia Miele Rodas

5 out of 5