Coloured on the Spectrum: An Autoethnographic examination of Autistic dissonance in White Australia, Black Africa, Academia & Creative Industries
Abstract
My dissertation is an Autoethnographic examination of Autism diagnosed in adulthood. I aim to provide authoritative, first-person perspective into experiences and reflections of a lifetime of dysfunction leading to diagnosis and the process of reconciling new diagnosis in maturity. Through Habitus and Intersectionality I retrospectively and retroactively explore issues of race, cultural context, social dysfunction, ineffective communication and professional breakdown. I provide insight into social and personal revelations informed by contextualising past experiences through the lens of then undiagnosed Autism and propose new responses and amendments of behaviour and conduct explored which seek to and effectively establish and maintain greater intrinsic and extrinsic harmony, communication, social and professional effectiveness and quality of life.