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Theorizing Autism Poetics: From the DSM to Robinson Crusoe's Corporeality

Greg Foster

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Published in Autistic Disturbances: Theorizing Autism Poetics From The DSM To Robinson Crusoe (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

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Autism is a complex and multifaceted condition that has been the subject of much debate and controversy. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding autism from a literary and cultural perspective. This article explores the relationship between autism and poetics, arguing that autism can be seen as a form of poetic expression.

The article begins by examining the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used to diagnose autism. The DSM-5 defines autism as a neurodevelopmental disFree Download characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. However, the article argues that the DSM-5's definition of autism is too narrow and does not capture the full range of autistic experience.

Autistic Disturbances: Theorizing Autism Poetics from the DSM to Robinson Crusoe (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

by Julia Miele Rodas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1149 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
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The article then turns to Robinson Crusoe, the classic novel by Daniel Defoe. Robinson Crusoe is a story about a man who is shipwrecked on a desert island and must learn to survive on his own. The article argues that Robinson Crusoe can be read as an allegory of autism. Crusoe's isolation on the island can be seen as a metaphor for the social isolation that many autistic people experience. Crusoe's struggles to survive can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges that autistic people face in everyday life.

The article concludes by arguing that autism is a form of poetic expression. Autistic people often have unique ways of perceiving and experiencing the world. These unique ways of perceiving and experiencing the world can be expressed through art, music, and literature. The article calls for a new understanding of autism that recognizes its creative and expressive potential.

The DSM-5 and Autism

The DSM-5 is the diagnostic manual used to diagnose autism. The DSM-5 defines autism as a neurodevelopmental disFree Download characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. However, the DSM-5's definition of autism has been criticized for being too narrow and for not capturing the full range of autistic experience.

One of the main criticisms of the DSM-5's definition of autism is that it relies too heavily on social deficits. Social deficits are often seen as the defining characteristic of autism, but they are not the only characteristic of autism. Many autistic people also have repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. These other characteristics of autism can be just as significant as social deficits, but they are not always taken into account when diagnosing autism.

Another criticism of the DSM-5's definition of autism is that it is too focused on pathology. The DSM-5 defines autism as a disFree Download, and this definition can lead to the stigmatization of autistic people. The DSM-5 also focuses on the negative aspects of autism, such as social deficits and repetitive behaviors. This focus on the negative aspects of autism can lead to a misunderstanding of autism and can make it difficult for autistic people to get the support they need.

Robinson Crusoe and Autism

Robinson Crusoe is a classic novel by Daniel Defoe. The novel tells the story of a man who is shipwrecked on a desert island and must learn to survive on his own. The article argues that Robinson Crusoe can be read as an allegory of autism.

Crusoe's isolation on the island can be seen as a metaphor for the social isolation that many autistic people experience. Crusoe's struggles to survive can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges that autistic people face in everyday life.

Crusoe's experience on the island also sheds light on the unique ways that autistic people perceive and experience the world. Crusoe is often overwhelmed by the sensory stimuli on the island. He is also very aware of his own body and its needs. These experiences are common among autistic people. Autistic people often have difficulty processing sensory information, and they are often very aware of their own bodies and their needs.

Crusoe's experience on the island also shows how autistic people can be creative and resourceful. Crusoe is able to use his skills and knowledge to survive on the island. He is able to build a shelter, find food, and make tools. These skills and abilities are common among autistic people. Autistic people are often very creative and resourceful, and they are often able to find ways to overcome the challenges they face.

Autism as Poetic Expression

The article argues that autism is a form of poetic expression. Autistic people often have unique ways of perceiving and experiencing the world. These unique ways of perceiving and experiencing the world can be expressed through art, music, and literature.

Autistic artists often create art that is visually stunning and emotionally evocative. Autistic musicians often create music that is complex and beautiful. Autistic writers often create literature that is insightful and moving.

The article calls for a new understanding of autism that recognizes its creative and expressive potential. Autistic people should be seen as artists, musicians, and writers who have something unique and valuable to offer the world.

Autism is a complex and multifaceted condition that has been the subject of much debate and controversy. This article has explored the relationship between autism and poetics, arguing that autism can be seen as a form of poetic expression. The article has drawn on a range of sources, including the DSM-5, Robinson Crusoe, and contemporary autism theory, to develop a new understanding of autism as a creative and expressive force.

Autistic Disturbances: Theorizing Autism Poetics from the DSM to Robinson Crusoe (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

by Julia Miele Rodas

5 out of 5