ANTC68H3 Chapter Notes -Autism Spectrum, Victor Perez, Social Constructionism
Document Summary
Week # 11: the rhetoric of science and statistics in claims of an autism epidemic by victor perez. Purpose: examine the rhetorical use of scientific medical evidence and diagnoses statistics in claim making of childhood autism spectrum disorder. Qualitative study of content and dissemination of claims for social problems construction via popular media, peer reviewed scientific literature and the internet. Rhetorical use of etiological evidence positing a causal link between medical interventions, environmental toxins and autism. Elucidates how the medicalization of childhood developmental disabilities and increased lay involvemenet in the social problems process were vital for the proliferation of attention and resources directed to autism presently. Lay social movement proceeds even with lack of scientific evidence. Conterversy over possible links to vaccines and other environmental toxins propelled the autism. Claims transcend and interact with familial, political, educational, legal, medical/scientific and other fields for social problem construction. Increased medicalization of childhood learning and development disabilities and idiosyncrancies.