Language, power, and representation: developing a framework for digital best practices in autism discourse

The complex and evolving autism narrative is shaped by diverse actors, with digital platforms and autism organizations playing a critical role in advocacy and community engagement. Yet, autistic perspectives often remain underrepresented due to structural imbalances and top-down communication approaches, underscoring the need to assess three principles: inclusivity, accessibility, and credibility of online discourse. In this study, the websites of 14 Canadian autism advocacy organizations were critically analyzed to evaluate their alignment with these principles. Informed by Habermas’s Communicative Action Theory, a qualitative approach employing critical discourse analysis was used to examine website content and design. The organizations were selected through a multi-step process that used internet traffic ranking tools to ensure representation across provinces and territories. Each website was assessed for inclusivity, accessibility, and alignment with advocacy goals, drawing on key metrics such as the presence of autistic self-advocates, accessibility features, and transparent communication practices. The findings revealed considerable variability in website quality, with noticeable gaps in accessibility and the meaningful inclusion of autistic voices. To address these gaps, the CLEAR Framework (Clarity, Logic, Evidence, Accessibility, Representation) was developed and applied as an evidence-based tool rooted in universal design and neurodiversity principles. By emphasizing straightforward language, coherent messaging, credible evidence, accessible formats, and genuine autistic representation, the framework operationalized theoretical principles into actionable criteria, offering a structured tool for evaluating and refining how organizations communicate their missions, values, and practices. Ultimately, this research provides insights for guiding autism discourse, policy, and practice while also laying the groundwork for further investigations into equitable and inclusive digital advocacy across diverse contexts.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Stolba, Aneta

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Kay, Robin
• Eamer, Alyson
• Hunter, William

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/2017

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/2017