ABSTRACT
In this introductory chapter, we trace the development of critical autism studies from the early 1990s and the creation of the Autism Network International to the current day, highlighting controversies and contradictions inherent within a field that has been differently interpreted and appropriated by autistic and non-autistic academics and activists. We argue critical autism studies offer potential and possibilities to continue to seek the emancipation of autistic people, focus on intersectionality and injustices, and for academics who are autistic and non-autistic to work together in producing important scholarship that has reach and impact. We further underline the importance of strengthening and legitimising activism within the academy and beyond, which the broad range of perspectives within this volume will contribute to.
