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Autism and Political Careers: Navigating Political Leadership

Author

Listed:
  • Sally Friedman

    (Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA)

  • Kennedy Cox

    (School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA)

  • Richard K. Scotch

    (School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA)

Abstract

Individuals on the autism spectrum have been stigmatized as not being expected to engage in certain activities, such as interpersonal interaction and communication, which are related to the capacity to exercise leadership and may have implications for their capacity to effectively function in political roles. In this paper, we profile four politicians (who happen to be state legislators) with autism who have beaten the odds with electoral success. We examine their routes to office, their range of activities, including how they represent autism, and the intersectionalities (in addition to autism) that impact their lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Sally Friedman & Kennedy Cox & Richard K. Scotch, 2026. "Autism and Political Careers: Navigating Political Leadership," Societies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:16:y:2026:i:2:p:67-:d:1866125
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