Have you ever noticed that some people still believe autism should be “fixed” or “cured”? It seems incredible, considering we now understand autism is a neurological difference—it’s simply how our brains are wired. A recent comment on my blog made me wonder what drives this persistent push for rehabilitation. Why is the ideal so often presented as autistic people living as “neurotypically” as possible—as if we should somehow not be autistic? Why is being free from autism seen as the key to a good life?
Can Stem From Old Times
I suspect this mindset has roots in the past, specifically in a time when autism was wrongly blamed on “refrigerator mothers”—mothers who were thought to have lacked affection, supposedly causing their children to develop autism. Back in the 1960s, many developmental differences were attributed to childhood trauma. Like autism, even schizophrenia and other mental health conditions were often blamed on bad parenting. And the solution? Psychodynamic therapy, of course! The medical community was slow to accept the possibility that biological factors might play a role in autism.
Older Individuals Are Treated Differently
Despite how much progress we’ve made, society still seems to carry remnants of that outdated thinking. It’s interesting—older people rarely receive the same pressure to “rehabilitate” their age. Can you imagine telling a 100-year-old, “Try to ignore the fact that you’re 100! Live like you’re 20 again. If going out feels difficult, just push through it and gradually increase the challenges. You just need a better attitude!” Most people wouldn’t dream of saying that to an older person, so why is it a completely different story when it comes to autism?
It’s Not Development
This push for rehabilitation can really shape how professionals approach working with autistic individuals. It often starts in childhood: if an autistic child prefers to play alone, they’re often encouraged to play with others, rather than anyone taking the time to understand if social interaction is actually what the child wants. It happened to me as a kid (though I wasn’t diagnosed at the time). And if the child complies and starts initiating contact, they’re told they’ve “developed.” But is it really development if an autistic child learns to ignore their own needs because they feel like they aren’t good enough as they are?
I Have a Different Choice
The diagnostic criteria for autism includes “lack of interest in peers,” but this is often brushed aside (though it’s important to remember not everyone with autism experiences this). There’s often an assumption that autistic traits aren’t simply an integral part of who we are. For me, this was deeply traumatic, and real “development” didn’t happen until adulthood, when I realized it was perfectly okay to be different! Sure, I could strive for a neurotypical life, force myself into social situations, and feel miserable. But why would I choose that when I have another option—to accept myself as I am and feel good? If an autistic person wants to work on skills for their own sake, that’s fantastic, but it should be their choice!
Are You Against Diversity?
If you’re an advocate for diversity, it’s time to unlearn that rehabilitation mindset when it comes to autism! If you believe autistic individuals should try to “train” their independence, social skills, and eye contact, even if they don’t want to, then you’re essentially against diversity. Diversity means everyone has the right to be different and be loved and accepted for who they are. As long as you consider an autistic person’s preferences, interests, and choices to be less valuable, you’re actively working against that principle!
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