Autism is a social disorder, defined according to an individual s interactions and lifestyle. However, medical literature rarely questions the silent ideas of social normalcy against which autistic traits are defined. The Naming of Adult Autism demonstrates the value of Cultural Studies towards developing a fuller understanding of high-functioning autism and Asperger s Syndrome as conditions affecting adults. Associations of autistic talent with scientific aptitude have emerged at the expense of recognition that many autistic individuals succeed in the Humanities. Adapting cultural theory...

Autism is a social disorder, defined according to an individual s interactions and lifestyle. However, medical literature rarely questions the silent ideas of social normalcy against which autistic traits are defined. The Naming of Adult Autism demonstrates the value of Cultural Studies towards developing a fuller understanding of high-functioning autism and Asperger s Syndrome as conditions affecting adults. Associations of autistic talent with scientific aptitude have emerged at the expense of recognition that many autistic individuals succeed in the Humanities. Adapting cultural theory...