Click image to view Infographic by Heyon Choi
My Journey through
Autism & Neurodiversity Research
Autism and neurodiversity have only recently begun to gain wider recognition in society. There is still much to learn, understand, and apply regarding how autistic and neurodiverse brains function and the remarkable potential they hold. Despite the increasing prevalence of autism, the breadth and depth of research on the subject remain limited. Over the recent years, I have pursued a series of independent research projects, examining autism and neurodiversity through social, historical, medical, and artistic lenses. Several of my work have been published in international journals and presented at conferences, while other insights have been shared through lectures and discussions with both autistic and neurotypical communities. I invite you to join in this ongoing exploration, contribute your knowledge, and support the advancement of understanding around autism and neurodiversity.
Independent Research Projects
Title
The Desynchronized Evolution of Justic and Ethos: A Cross-cultural Comparison of the Legal and Social Development of Autism and South Korea and the United States
Overview
Heyon Choi
Author
Research & Publication
2023~2024
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Society’s understanding of and support for autism have evolved significantly since the post-war period, influenced by shifting medical evidence as well as changes in social attitudes and legislative actions. The United States and South Korea offer contrasting evolutions of autism awareness and support, driven by their unique historical and social contexts. The United States, characterized by its heterogeneous and individualistic culture, has demonstrated a gradual acceptance and integration of autism support, aligning legislative actions with societal needs. In contrast, South Korea's conservative and homogeneous society faced significant cultural resistance, leading to a rapid but disproportionate rise in disability recognition, with societal acceptance trailing its legislative actions influenced by progressive U.S. policies. This study examines the contrasting legal frameworks and cultural landscapes from the 1970s to the 2010s, highlighting the impact of cultural readiness on the recognition and support of autism.
Title
Myth-Busting Autism Art: Challenging Stereotypes in Creativity and Expression
Overview
This research paper challenges misconceptions surrounding autistic artists, particularly regarding creativity and social detachment. I have drawn on personal experiences working with autistic artists and explores how their unconventional approaches defy stereotypes. Autistic art is often categorized as "Outsider Art," limiting its visibility in mainstream art. The paper debunks two key myths: the belief that autistic individuals lack creativity and that they are detached from society. By presenting case studies of Korean and Korean-American artists, the paper highlights their unique talents and calls for greater recognition of their contributions. The paper advocates for a broader understanding of autism and creativity, proposing that society reconsider how it evaluates artistic expression from neurodivergent individuals.
Heyon Choi
Author
Research & Publication
2023~2024
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Title
Brushstrokes of Change: Hieronymus Bosch and Rachael Gadston’s evolving portrayals of disability
Overview
This paper explores how art has influenced and reflected evolving perceptions of disability. I analyzed the works of Hieronymus Bosch, renowned for his surreal depictions of the human body, and Rachel Gadsden, a contemporary artist who draws directly from her personal experiences with disability. While Bosch’s art does not explicitly focus on disability, his portrayals of bodily deformities and abnormalities reflect the societal views of his era. In contrast, Gadsden’s work directly confronts and challenges these stigmas, presenting disability as an empowered and central aspect of human identity. By comparing these two artists, I demonstrate how art can evolve from depicting disability as a marginalized condition to celebrating it as part of the broader human experience. Through this analysis, I advocate for continued artistic engagement with disability as a means of fostering greater understanding and inclusion.
Heyon Choi
Author
Research & Publication
2023~2024
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Title
Challenges in Reconciling Neurodiversity with Overmedicalization of Autistic Individuals
Overview
This research paper addresses the complexities of balancing the medical treatment of autism with the growing neurodiversity movement. It critiques the historical and current overmedicalization of autism, emphasizing how it has contributed to stigma and misconceptions, while also acknowledging the necessity of medical intervention in certain cases. The paper contrasts medical models that seek to "cure" autism with the neurodiversity approach, which views autism as a natural variation of human diversity. Through the lens of sociological and medical perspectives, this paper argues for a balanced approach that respects neurodivergent individuals while ensuring proper care. The discussion highlights the importance of continued research, education, and public awareness in promoting the well-being and inclusion of autistic individuals, with a focus on the need for both medical and social support systems.
Heyon Choi
Author
Research & Publication
2024
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Title
Roles of non-profit organizations in addressing employment disparities
Overview
Currently ongoing research in collaboration with KASEC (Korean American Special Education Center) in Anaheim, CA
This research project focuses on the current employment gaps, issues and opportunities for individuals with autism, and the role non-profit organizations can play in supporting their development and inclusion.
Heyon Choi
Author
Research & Publication
2024