From “since” to “if”: using blogs to explore an insider-informed framing of autism

• DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2020.1836479
• Publication Date: 2020-10-19T05:47:07Z
• Authors: Christie Welch; Deb Cameron; Margaret Fitch; Helene Polatajko
• Keywords: Framing (construction); Thematic Analysis; Vision; Frame analysis

This study was conducted within a series aimed at building understanding of autism using insider perspectives. We applied descriptive qualitative approach, highlighting meanings that the informants attach to events in their lives. The data were generated by scraping blogs written autistic authors. an inductive thematic analysis iterative process coding, collating and reviewing themes. present themes two structures taken from dataset. first structure "current trajectories" illustrates with how bloggers perceive non-autistic people frame autism, as well experiences effects propagated this frame. second "preferred is rooted bloggers' framing follows predicted could come about through adoption challenges biomedical they convincingly suggest public shift insider-informed would improve lives.Points interestFor study, we explored writings bloggers, examine can peoples' autism.Compared portrayals most academic literature, way more embodied positive, caring, insightful ready inform engage research.We perceptions dominant has impacted lives visions preferred future which have been informed people.This supports necessity feasibility informing, guiding engaging research.