Social Challenges and Opportunities Surrounding the Development of Biomarkers for Autism

Background: A biological marker that could predict autism risk in a young child or assist in early diagnosis would have great clinical utility and could provide targets for therapeutic intervention.  However, the development of such a marker may also create challenges in relation to stigmatisation, identity and social exclusion among individuals on the autistic spectrum.  In Molloy and Vasil’s terms, it may lead to the ‘pathologising of difference’ (2002).

Objectives: This presentation will consider the social issues relating to the development of biomarkers for autism.  Specifically, the learning objectives are to: (1) identify and discuss the implications of autism biomarker research for the 'difference versus disability' debate; and (2) consider possible wider tensions of said research in relation to issues such as identity and inclusion for individuals on the autistic spectrum.

Methods: This presentation will explore the implications of biomarker research for a variety of social issues pertaining to autism.  The tensions between the medical and social models of disability will be used as a starting point.  The focus will then shift to current debate relating to the notion of autism as a difference or disorder (Ellisman, 2011) and how biomarker research may influence this discourse.  The discussion will broaden to consider concurrent implications for issues of professional terminology and semantics, the construction of identity in relation to disability among individuals with autism (Baines, 2012), access to services, challenges to diagnostic approaches to the autism spectrum (Allred, 2009), schooling and education (Humphrey & Lewis, 2008), and stigmatization and social exclusion (Kurzban & Leary, 2001).

Results: At the end of this presentation, attendees will understand the variety of social issues pertaining to the development of autism biomarkers. 

Conclusions:  The potential scientific and clinical advantages of autism biomarkers must be examined in relation to the many social challenges that this line of research may present.  Of paramount importance here is the consideration of the views of individuals on the autistic spectrum themselves.

 Allred, S. (2009). Reframing Asperger syndrome: lessons form other challenges to the DSM and ICIDH approaches. Disability and Society, 24, 343-355.

 Baines, A. D. (2012). Positioning, strategizing, and charming: How students with autism construct identities in relation to disability. Disability and Society, 27, 547-561.

 Ellisman, L. (2011). Asperger’s syndrome: Difference or disorder? The Psychologist, 24, 114-117.

 Humphrey, N. & Lewis, S. (2008). ‘Make me normal’: the views and experiences of pupils on the autistic spectrum in mainstream secondary schools. Autism, 12, 23-46.

 Kurzbanm R. & Leary, M. R. (2001). Evolutionary origins of stigmatization: The functions of social exclusion. Psychological Bulletin, 127, 187-208.

Molloy, H. & Vasil, L. (2002). The social construction of Asperger Syndrome: The pathologising of difference? Disability and Society, 17, 659-669.