Dialoguing with autism: Deconstruction of autism discourse in Chinese and reconstruction of narrative agency

Sociocultural dynamics of autism-related terminology and the interplay between language, identity, and epistemic justice in the Global South are veiled. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including literature review, surveys, and interviews—the study examines how Chinese-language users perceive and conceptualize Chinese autism-related terms like GuDuZheng (孤独症, GDZ, “GuDu” means “isolation/loneliness” and “Zheng” means disease/symptoms) and ZiBiZheng (自闭症, ZBZ, “ZiBi” means “self closing-off”), as well as their extended versions. Through community collaboration and reflexive thematic analysis, the study addresses how these terms reflect broader social constructs of autism and how autistic individuals engage with diagnostic labels. The findings reveal that “Terms Are Socially Constructed” and “The Concept of Autism in the Chinese Context Has Been Typified as ZiBi (Self-closeness).” Despite societal stigmatization, individuals navigate these challenges by actively engaging with the diagnoses to reinterpret their implications within both Eastern and Western understandings. Drawing from Chinese philosophy such as “The unity of heaven and man,” “The equality of all beings,” and “The harmony,” individuals reconstruct personal narratives that counter mainstream discourses, fostering internal coherence and harmonious interpersonal interactions. As one participant articulated, “Loneliness embodies holistic completeness: Like Zhuangzi’s useless tree thriving in the wilderness, Buddhism’s suchness without fabrication, or Stoic’s alignment with natural reason.” To achieve this completeness, participants advocated that “Everyone from the Community Should Work Together,” suggesting concrete action steps for dismantling structural ableism. This study offers new insights into the development of an indigenous neurodiversity paradigm that resonates with the Chinese socio-linguistic context. It facilitates a quadruple dialogue between Eastern and Western, between researchers and community, among neurodiverse individuals, and between autistic individuals and diagnostic labels. Ultimately, this process enables the reclamation of cultural and individual autonomy in the Global South, empowering autistic individuals to reclaim narrative agency and enhance their well-being.