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Rewiring Difference and Disability: Narratives of Asperger's Syndrome in the Twenty-First Century

Shepard, Neil Patrick
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1276714818

Abstract Details

2010, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, American Culture Studies/Ethnic Studies.
This dissertation explores representations of Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, it textually analyzes cultural representations with the goal of identifying specific narratives that have become dominant in the public sphere. Beginning in 2001, with Wired magazine’s article by Steve Silberman entitled “The Geek Syndrome” as the starting point, this dissertation demonstrates how certain values have been linked to Asperger’s syndrome: namely the association between this disorder and hyper-intelligent, socially awkward personas. Narratives about Asperger’s have taken to medicalizing not only genius (as figures such as Newton and Einstein receive speculative posthumous diagnoses) but also to medicalizing a particular brand of new economy, information-age genius. The types of individuals often suggested as representative Asperger’s subjects can be stereotyped as the casual term “geek syndrome” suggests: technologically savvy, successful “nerds.” On the surface, increased public awareness of Asperger’s syndrome combined with the representation has created positive momentum for acceptance of high functioning autism. In a cultural moment that suggests “geek chic,” Asperger’s syndrome has undergone a critical shift in value that seems unimaginable even 10 years ago. This shift has worked to undo some of the stigma attached to this specific form of autism. The proto-typical Aspergian persona represented dominantly in the media is often both intelligent and successful. At the same time, these personas are also so often masculine, middle/upper class and white. These representations are problematic in the way that they uphold traditional normativity in terms of gender, race and class, as well as reifying stigma toward other points on the autistic spectrum.
Vivian Patraka, PhD (Committee Chair)
Ellen Berry, PhD (Committee Member)
Victoria Ekstrand, PhD (Committee Member)
Geoff Howes, PhD (Committee Member)
176 p.
American Studies
Autism; Asperger's Syndrome; Disability Studies; Geek Syndrome; Media Studies; Wired

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Shepard, N. P. (2010). Rewiring Difference and Disability: Narratives of Asperger's Syndrome in the Twenty-First Century [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1276714818

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Shepard, Neil. Rewiring Difference and Disability: Narratives of Asperger's Syndrome in the Twenty-First Century. 2010. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1276714818.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Shepard, Neil. "Rewiring Difference and Disability: Narratives of Asperger's Syndrome in the Twenty-First Century." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1276714818

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.