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Minds Between Us: Autism, mindblindness and the uncertainty of communication
Article first published online: 30 AUG 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-5812.2009.00537.x
© 2009 The Authors. Educational Philosophy and Theory © 2009 Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia
Additional Information
How to Cite
McGuire, A. E. and Michalko, R. (2011), Minds Between Us: Autism, mindblindness and the uncertainty of communication. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 43: 162–177. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-5812.2009.00537.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 30 AUG 2009
- Article first published online: 30 AUG 2009
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- autism;
- Theory of Mind;
- mindblindness;
- intentionality;
- communication;
- disability studies;
- puzzle;
- mentalism
Abstract
This paper problematizes contemporary cultural understandings of autism. We make use of the developmental psychology concepts of ‘Theory of Mind’ and ‘mindblindness’ to uncover the meaning of autism as expressed in these concepts. Our concern is that autism is depicted as a puzzle and that this depiction governs not only the way Western culture treats autism but also the way in which it governs everyday interactions with autistic people. Moreover, we show how the concepts of Theory of Mind and mindblindness require autism to be a puzzle in the first place. Rather than treat autism as a puzzle that must be solved, we treat autism as a teacher and thus as having something valuable to contribute toward an understanding of the inherent partiality and uncertainty of human communication and collective life.