Being in Neurodiversity. Shifting Perspectives in Working with Autistic Individuals

Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Alessandro Pellicciari
Publishing Year 2025 Issue 2025/1
Language Italian Pages 18 P. 177-194 File size 739 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2025-001010
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This paper offers a reflection on autism, focusing on the experiences of autistic individuals as well as those who interact with them, including professionals. It outlines the prevalence of this topic and the importance of acknowledging neurodivergence within mental health care services. The conventional medical paradigm, which tends to focus on the deficits and shortcomings of those seeking our assistance, is represented, along with how this approach in the context of autism can impact the trajectory of individuals. Fragments of the stories of individuals who sought support from the Service, their journey to obtaining a diagnosis, and the consequences this revelation had on their lives, narrated in anonymized form, serve as an opportunity to advocate for embracing neurodivergence. This involves fully understanding these individuals’ experiences, recognizing the bigger picture in them, working on awareness, and intervening in the environment. These are valuable tools for building a common language, limiting potential harmful interventions, and fostering the self-fulfillment of the autistic individuals who come to us.

Keywords: neurodiversity, autism, phenomenology, medical and social models.

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Alessandro Pellicciari, Stare nella Neurodivergenza. Cambiare la prospettiva nel lavoro con le persone autistiche in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 1/2025, pp 177-194, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2025-001010