I'm not sure I agree. I would suggest most stigma is based on NT ppl not understanding the autistic experience as it is manifested in ppl. By giving this a name, it can enable understanding for the aut person and NT. For me, all disabled / autistic ppl are human and valued and don't need cured...

The main point is that the autistic identity is extremely valuable but is negotiated through a medicalised process and policed through various social arrangements. I would want uni staff / peers to accept autistic ppl fully but see that identity can/does change in relation to stigma and/or support.

Thanks for your engagement @silvaro1969.bsky.social. I hope that you did not interpret this to mean that autistic people were not human; this is quite far from the conclusions. Almost all those in study sought a diagnosis for different reasons and it made a significant impact on their identities.

Thanks Rebecca! It was a privilege to speak with you and colleagues @bristoluni.bsky.social and a really positive discussion after too. As for @edreslancaster.bsky.social logos - I do my best!

Really engaging set of provocations from each of the panelists.