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Peoples & Things

Kids Across the Spectrums: Growing Up Autistic in the Digital Age

Oct 21, 2024
Meryl Alper, an Associate Professor at Northeastern University and author of *Kids Across the Spectrums*, dives into the experiences of autistic children in today’s digital landscape. She discusses the significance of inclusive media representation and critiques societal stereotypes surrounding autism. Alper advocates for empirical research over anecdotal evidence to better understand diverse experiences. The conversation also explores the role of technology in self-expression and identity formation for autistic individuals while addressing educational reform and online safety.
01:16:03

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Quick takeaways

  • Engaging with the narratives of disabled individuals is crucial for accurately understanding their experiences and shaping relevant policies.
  • Meryl Alper's research reveals that socioeconomic factors significantly influence the support neurodivergent children receive, highlighting systemic inequalities.

Deep dives

The Need for Inclusive Perspectives in Disability Studies

Many people make assumptions about the needs and desires of disabled individuals without engaging directly with those individuals, which points to a significant gap in understanding. This lack of direct involvement leads to the omission of diverse voices and experiences in the conversation about disability. As highlighted in recent work, engaging with the writings, poetry, and narratives of disabled individuals helps reconstruct their experiences more accurately. This approach emphasizes the importance of including perspectives from the disabled community in shaping policies and discussions around disability and technology.

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