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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
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Understanding Autism Through Indigenous Relational Ecologies: A Phenomenographic Exploratory Study With Potawatomi
Jessica C Kitchens1, Donna Wake1
1University of Central Arkansas, Conway, USA.
Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Autism within Citizen Potawatomi Nation contexts is understood through intergenerational continuity, relational belonging, and cultural purpose, challenging deficit-based frameworks. This neurodiversity research highlights Indigenous Knowledge Systems for autism understanding.
Area of Science:
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Neurodiversity Studies
- Phenomenography
Background:
- Dominant Western frameworks conceptualize autism as an individual condition, often obscuring relational, cultural, and contextual meanings.
- Indigenous communities possess unique understandings of autism shaped by their specific cultural contexts and knowledge systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how autism is understood within the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, guided by Indigenous Knowledge Systems and a neurodiversity-affirming paradigm.
- To examine qualitative variations in meaning-making related to autism, moving beyond consensus or generalizability.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory phenomenographic study was conducted with five Citizen Potawatomi Nation participants.
- Semi-structured interviews were employed with Autistic adults, parents of Autistic children, and a tribal Knowledge Keeper.
- Analysis followed Åkerlind's interpretive phenomenographic approach to identify categories of description.
Main Results:
- Five coexisting understandings of autism emerged: system-managed difference, intergenerational family patterning, natural human variation, relational identity and belonging, and spiritual gift with purpose.
- These understandings were organized into an outcome space reflecting a relational ecology of meaning.
- Findings challenge deficit-based and universalizing frameworks by highlighting intergenerational continuity, relational belonging, and culturally grounded purpose.
Conclusions:
- Autism is understood within Potawatomi contexts through culturally grounded, relational, and purposeful lenses.
- Phenomenography is a valuable methodology for Indigenous autism research.
- Findings inform future Nation-engaged, relationally accountable inquiry in autism research.
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