Language, interests and autism: A tribute to Dr. Dinah Murray (1946–2021), an autism pioneer

Abstract

So much has changed in our understanding of how autism impacts our lives. We still have a long way to go, however, until it becomes the norm that the principle of ‘nothing about me without me’ is upheld throughout autism research and autism practice. Autistic researchers and practitioners will play a central role in delivering this vision. Currently, the autistic community is mourning the passing of one such person, a true pioneer, Dr. Dinah Murray. It is fitting that we pay a tribute to her achievements and contributions, for these have enriched our lives and over-laid the autism landscape with understanding, acceptance, action and advocacy. I am not proposing that we change those opening paragraphs, just that we duplicate and adjust the text in the abstract as well. I think that reading this on the journal page would help people decide if they want to read the full letter, by giving them a bit more of a taste of the rest of the piece. I don’t think it matters that the text will be repeated in the main article - this is a common practice for things like letters to the editor and commentaries.