Power to the People

The field of autism research has reached a critical juncture. With an improved understanding of autism leading more people—particularly adults—to identify as autistic; a turn towards co-production and co-design in a range of clinical, educational, and other service settings; the internet and social media facilitating global debates about the rights of autistic people; and several influential social justice movements (e.g., Black Lives Matter, #MeToo) giving rise to intense challenges to the social status quo, the scene has been set for a “perfect storm” of autistic advocacy. As the autistic rights movement reaches critical mass, many autism researchers face a dilemma—to embrace a paradigm shift and work together with the autistic community, or continue along a more conventional path and risk being left behind; or, worse, become increasingly alienated from the very community they claim to help. In this brief commentary, we provide an overview of both the progress that has been made and the progress that has yet to come. We invite autism researchers to reflect actively on the changes taking place and to evaluate their place within them.