This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Disability Culture and Disability Studies are growing areas of academic investigation, and more recently 'autism culture' has been considered. Culture may be defined as the behaviours and tropes of groups of individuals: this module will explore culture as a concept growing from positive autistic identities, self-advocacy and the politicisation of autism.
Students will be taught to consider Autism from a sociological perspective, including examining cultural, gender and political representations of 'geekdom', ‘Aspie’ and ‘autistic’ identities. Tim Page wrote "I hope that young Aspies, informed by recent literature on the subject, will find the world somewhat less challenging than I have". This may only be possible by moving from a ‘curebie’ perspective (a derogatory term coined by individuals with Asperger’s to describe neurologically typical people seeking to cure autism) toward a ‘neurodiversity’ position that tolerates and celebrates difference. The module will explore and analyse such perspectives
Total contact hours: 20
Private study hours: 280
Total study hours: 300
BSc in Autism Studies BSc
Autism Studies Diploma of Higher education
Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies
Main assessment methods
Essay - 60%
Assignment (interview analysis) – 40%
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
DePoy, E. & Gilson, S.F., (2004). Rethinking Disability: principles for professional and social change. Baltimore: Brookes/Cole.
Grandin, T., (2006). Thinking in pictures: My life with autism. Second Edition. New York: Vintage Books.
Kim, C., (2014). Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life, London: JKP.
Silberman, S., (2015). Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and How to Think Smarter About People Who Think Differently. London: Allen & Unwin
Silverman, C., (2012). Understanding Autism: parents, doctors and the history of a disorder. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Waltz, M., (2013). Autism: a social and medical history. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Critically identify key emerging themes regarding autism culture
8.2 Access and critically interpret existing research or other literature regarding autism culture, including engaging with a variety of
perspectives on the historical, cultural and social contexts affecting the support of individuals with autism spectrum conditions
8.3 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the need to explicitly consider autism culture in research, policy and practice
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate the ability to sustain arguments showing critical understanding of key issues
9.2 Demonstrate critical evaluation of concepts and communicate these in a non-discriminatory and accessible way
9.3 Demonstrate effective time management
9.4 Use a variety of methodologies/approaches to critically analyse a complex subject matter
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
