Commentary on “Thinking differently? Autism and quality of life”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the possible impact of normalisation on the perceptions of quality of life (QoL) and the impact of this association on the research to date. This commentary reflects on the implications of limiting QoL research to autistic people who are perceived to be “more able”.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary discusses the implications of undertaking QoL research in the field of autism.

Findings

This commentary argues for further consideration of the autistic voice in QoL research. Researcher epistemology and life experience, including experience of autistic people, is examined in terms of how QoL might be perceived and attributed. Further participatory research in the field of quality of life of autistic people, including those with a learning disability and engagement with a variety of autistic people, is called for.

Originality/value

This commentary suggests that the existing definitions of QoL, founded on principles of normalisation, may not be completely applicable to autistic people, and that new ways of both defining and measuring QoL might be needed.

Citation

Waldock, K.E. (2019), "Commentary on “Thinking differently? Autism and quality of life”", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 77-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-02-2019-0006