Exploring diagnosis: autism and the neurodiversity movement

Dr Russell's project explores the role that diagnosis plays in society and medicine, using the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder as a case study. It examines how the process of diagnostic categorisation is achieved, what the consequences of diagnosis are, and the benefits of, and objections to the diagnostic label, as well as how this label affects people’s preconceptions of the disorder and of those who are diagnosed with it. The investigation will document and analyse the experiences of adults in the neurodiversity movement, who argue against medical diagnosis, together with those who have sought a clinical diagnosis of autism.