Currently, the majority of professionals and society at large still understand autism within the framework of a “disease” or “disorder” from a medical perspective. This lack of understanding is rooted in progressive values, as if imperfect and different people are not allowed to exist in our public life. Based on findings from a variety of fields, an increasing number of autism research groups are stating that “autism is a manifestation of human neurodiversity”. The term “neurodiversity” was co-sponsored by the autistic community in 1996 during a discussion on the email list “Independent Living” (InLv). It refers to the phenomenon of neurological diversity in human beings, where each individual exhibits different neurocognitive functioning. This term is often used to describe people who think, behave, or learn in ways that fall outside the “typical” range, such as those with autism spectrum disorders. The majority of people, by contrast, are described as “neurotypical”. Furthermore, this range is constantly shifting, rendering the notion of a ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ brain a false proposition.”

The theme of the 17th World Autism Day in 2024 is “Career-Wide Services, Comprehensive Care”. We hope that the exhibition “Autistic or Artistic” will promote professional exploration in the field of art on the basis of public welfare, and that our efforts will help to open up the horizons of the public’s awareness of the neurodiversity community. Based on the experience of the previous “Autistic or Artistic” exhibitions, this exhibition tries to make adjustments, focusing on the process and actions of the autistic community from the framework of neurodiversity. The theme ‘Love on the Spectrum’ is inspired by the Australian variety show ‘Love on the Spectrum’ in 2023, where autistic guests hope to find a lifelong companion.

“Love on the Spectrum” symbolizes inclusiveness and encourages us to envision various forms of coexistence and “love” with different life forms. Rather than pursuing the values and roles assigned to individuals by society, the exhibition provides an open field or laboratory where we can form a community, break down from social norms and routines, return to a keen and soft perception, shed pretenses, embrace truth, and support each other. As we contemplate our future with greater respect, it’s imperative to adopt more humane, non-stigmatizing language and concepts to understand diverse individuals and recognize the value of natural differences. Neurodiversity should be respected just like any other form of diversity, and a shift in perception regarding this group will enable ‘different’ individuals to integrate into public social life more seamlessly.