Considering Human Development through the Lens of Neurodiversity: The Case of Autism

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This special issue presents a collection of manuscripts that adopt a neurodiversity perspective to explore development and well-being in autism. It opens with an overview of neurodiversity approaches and their significance for researchers. The articles cover various topics, showcasing the diverse impacts of this perspective on development. One contribution investigates academic achievement, particularly writing skills, through theories rooted in the neurodiversity movement. Another article delves into masking and camouflaging—strategies used by individuals to conceal autistic traits—and their association with negative outcomes like stress, identity loss, and mental illness. A third paper addresses autistic identity development alongside other marginalized identities, such as racial/ethnic and gender/sexual minorities, stressing the importance of recognizing differences within the autistic community to foster positive identity development. Additionally, a commentary situates the papers within the broader neurodiversity debate, highlighting divergent viewpoints and offering suggestions for future dialogue and resolution. This special topic issue is valuable for researchers, students, clinicians, and healthcare providers in the field.