Shifting the Narrative: Autism is Not a Disease, It’s Neurodiversity

Psychology for All

Apr 22

Written By Dr. Glori Gray

Challenging the disease narrative of autism and embracing neurodiversity.

Reading time: 4-5 minutes.

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What You'll Learn

How is autism diagnosed?
What should an autism evaluation include?
Who can do an autism assessment?

An autism diagnosis covers a spectrum of people with a wide range of skills and impairments. Because of this, the developmental disorder can look very different from person to person. Many experts who diagnose and treat children with autism like to say, “If you’ve seen one child with autism, you’ve seen one child with autism.”

Recent discussions about autism in the media landscape and by public policymakers have continued to frame it as a disease or something that demands a "cure," even within the past week. While these conversations may stem from a place of concern, it’s crucial to understand why such framing can be deeply harmful to autistic individuals and their families.

Autism is not a disease; it is a neurodevelopmental difference—a distinct way of processing the world, both internally and externally. Individuals with autism perceive and interact with their environment in ways that are unique, but they are not inherently flawed or wrong. Autistic people possess their own strengths, challenges, and ways of thinking that add to the rich diversity of human experience.

Rather than being something to "fix," autism contributes to the cultural ecosystem, offering new perspectives, creativity, and innovation that can benefit society as a whole. When we recognize autism as part of the natural spectrum of neurodiversity, we open the door to greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.

Autism as a Cultural Community

Autism is not only a neurodevelopmental difference but also a cultural identity. It is characterized by distinct perspectives, mannerisms, communication styles, art, achievements, and a sense of belonging within the community. To be part of the autistic community is to be part of a vibrant and evolving culture that celebrates shared experiences and perspectives.

This cultural richness should be celebrated, not viewed through a deficit-based lens. Autism provides individuals with the opportunity to contribute uniquely to society—whether through art, music, problem-solving, or technological innovation. By embracing autism as a neurodiverse culture, we can foster an environment where individuals feel empowered and proud of who they are.

The Misunderstood Nature of Autism

Despite its growing recognition, autism is often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to high-masking individuals—those who may not exhibit the more observable traits of autism. These individuals may not display the typical behaviors associated with autism, which can result in misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. The challenge for these individuals is compounded by a lack of understanding from both society and the medical community, who often overlook their unique needs.

By expanding the conversation to include the experiences of high-masking and highly adaptive individuals, we can cultivate a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of autism that acknowledges all forms of expression and experience.

The Impact on Families

For parents and caregivers, hearing autism described as a disease can be incredibly frustrating. Families raising autistic children already face barriers in an often unaccepting society, and this narrative of "deficit" can add unnecessary pressure. Families need to be able to highlight their children’s unique strengths—whether it’s a child’s deep focus on a subject they love, their ability to recognize patterns others miss, or their distinct way of seeing the world. These are all traits to be celebrated, not minimized or pathologized.

Parents want the best for their children but don’t want to feel as though their children are broken. Autistic individuals possess a rich and diverse set of abilities, and many families find immense pride in their children’s talents. Shifting the narrative from "curing" autism to embracing neurodiversity unlocks a world of possibilities for acceptance, understanding, and support.

The Power of Neurodiversity

When autism is framed as a disease, it disregards the core principle of neurodiversity—the recognition that neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, are part of human diversity. Just as we celebrate cultural, racial, and gender differences, we should also recognize that differences in brain wiring and cognitive functioning are naturally occurring variations within the spectrum of humanity.

Moving Forward: A More Positive and Inclusive Future

When public policymakers and the media landscape continue to talk about autism as though it is a disease, they risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes and limiting the opportunities available to autistic individuals. Such discussions only reinforce outdated and detrimental attitudes that autistic children need a "cure," rather than support, understanding, and accommodations.

Instead, let’s focus on:

Promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals.
Advocating for support systems that empower families and individuals to thrive in society.
Encouraging access to resources, therapies, and education that support the unique needs of autistic children.

By emphasizing the strengths and challenges of autistic individuals, we can create a society where neurodiversity is not only accepted but celebrated.