Japan and Autism: How Communication Disorders Affect Interactions with Society
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Japanese
Minor
Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Prof. Yoko Hatakeyama; PhD. Tanya Romero-Gonzalez
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Japan has a culture that emphasizes a united group mentality, which can cause a myriad of problem for people who cannot fit into it, such as people with Autism. Japan has taken many steps towards the improvement of the lives of Autistic citizens, however, there is a lack of research concerning Autistic experiences in Japan. Most studies on the Autistic experience focus on Western Culture. My paper will draw from the experiences of Naoki Higashida by analyzing his book, Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man’s Voice from the Silence of Autism. Additionally, I will discuss and research this topic by using other Autistic and disabled people’s experiences. I argue that this topic is worth looking at as Japan tends to hide disabilities from the public, as well as the fact that Autistic people are around 1% of the global population and should not be ignored. In conclusion, this project will analyze the experiences and studies of Japanese Autistic people through a cultural lens, focusing on promoting a discussion with the goal of improving Autistic people’s daily lives.
Affiliations
Modern Languages Senior Colloquium
Japan and Autism: How Communication Disorders Affect Interactions with Society
Japan has a culture that emphasizes a united group mentality, which can cause a myriad of problem for people who cannot fit into it, such as people with Autism. Japan has taken many steps towards the improvement of the lives of Autistic citizens, however, there is a lack of research concerning Autistic experiences in Japan. Most studies on the Autistic experience focus on Western Culture. My paper will draw from the experiences of Naoki Higashida by analyzing his book, Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man’s Voice from the Silence of Autism. Additionally, I will discuss and research this topic by using other Autistic and disabled people’s experiences. I argue that this topic is worth looking at as Japan tends to hide disabilities from the public, as well as the fact that Autistic people are around 1% of the global population and should not be ignored. In conclusion, this project will analyze the experiences and studies of Japanese Autistic people through a cultural lens, focusing on promoting a discussion with the goal of improving Autistic people’s daily lives.