- Using Smooth's tenets to understand the Neurodiversity Paradigm
- Example: 2016 Society for Disability Studies Conference

Examining the Neurodiversity Paradigm through a Intersectionality Theory Framework

- Why do practical applications matter?
- Coalition-building within the autistic rights movement and "identifying with"
- Example: Activist Movements around ending Police Violence 

Practical Applications and Interactive Relationships between Intersectionality Theory and the Neurodiversity Paradigm 

(1) An understanding that social identity categories and power systems shift over time and space.
(2) A recognition that privilege and marginalization can coexist within individuals and groups
(3) A commitment to social justice
(4) A dedication to anti-essentialism and the variation within categories
(5) An investment in the multiplicative nature of identity(ies)

Wendy Smooth's five tenets of contemporary intersectionality theory.

- inclusive
- reflexive
- anti-essentialist

Arizona State University

A major critique of the current disability studies discipline relates to its essentialist and binary approach to understanding disability and the subjective disability experience. 

Disability Studies and Intersectionality


Tina Goethals, Elisabeth De Schauwer, & Geert Van Hove. (2015). Weaving Intersectionality into Disability Studies Research: Inclusion, Reflexivity and Anti-Essentialism. DiGeSt. Journal of Diversity and Gender Studies, 2(1–2), 75–94. https://doi.org/10.11116/jdivegendstud.2.1-2.0075


Weaving Intersectionality into Disability Studies Research: Inclusion, Reflexivity and Anti-Essentialism

Intersectionality examines the experiences of people who are experiencing discrimination on the basis of two or more marginalized identities at the same time, and how this differs from experiencing discrimnination on the basis of these identities individually.  Because of this depending on context, we all have areas where we experience privilege, as well as areas of oppression

For example, the stereotypes or preconceived notions held about black women are not merely a combination of those held about black people and those held about women, but a unique intersection of racism and sexism that black women experience differently from either black men or white women.

Intersectionality

- binary approach (disabled versus able-bodied)
- essentialist (focused primarily on ability status)

Current Pitfalls in the Methodology Used in Disability Studies Research

Research Qualities that Consider Intersectional factors 

In this article, Strand discusses how Intersectionality Theory and the Neurodiversity Paradigm have been conceptualized, utilized, and operationalized - understanding how a theoretical concept is applied in context. Through this study, Strand poses that intersectionality theory and the neurodiversity paradigm can work to strengthen the theoretical aims and application of each other. 

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