Introduction
There exists a widespread misconception in society that autism is a disease. However, it is critical to understand that autism is a condition that affects brain development and not a disease. In this article, we aim to demystify the misconceptions concerning autism and help you understand why autism is not and cannot be labeled a disease.
Debunking the Myth: Why Autism is Not a Disease
Before we dive deeper into why autism is not a disease, we must first understand what the term disease means. It is a condition that affects the normal functioning of an organism’s body or mind and can lead to physical or mental impairment. Autism, on the other hand, is not a disease but a neurological development disorder that affects how a person perceives, processes information, and interacts with the environment.
Autism is typically diagnosed based on clinical evaluation and using recognized diagnostic criteria. Some diagnostic tools used include Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). It is critical to note that there is no medical test that can diagnose autism, and it is instead diagnosed based on observed behaviors.
Moreover, many misconceptions exist on how autism is a disease. For instance, some people believe that it is a contagious disease or caused by lack of parenting skills. These are all myths about autism that create negative stereotypes and stigmas about people with autism. It is critical to understand that autism is not an illness or a disease, but rather a condition.
Understanding Autism: The Differences Between a Condition and a Disease
Knowing the difference between a condition and a disease can help shift the view about autism. A medical condition, such as in the case of autism, affects the individual’s functioning but does not make them sick. They lead fulfilling lives like other individuals. On the other hand, diseases affect the normal functioning of the body and can lead to sickness and death.
It is crucial to understand that autism is a developmental disorder affecting how an individual communicates, perceives and interacts with the surroundings. It is not an infectious disease nor a genetic abnormality. Research shows that autism arises from differences in brain anatomy, function and development, which affect the ability to process information and social awareness and interaction.
Understanding the difference between a condition and a disease helps remove the stigma and negative connotations associated with autism. People with autism do not require to be cured but instead need support and access to services that promote full participation and inclusion in society.
Challenging the Stigma: Autism and the Disease Label
Historically, autism was referred to as “Kanner’s syndrome,” after the first clinician, Dr. Leo Kanner, to describe it in 1943 in his book, Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact. Since then, autism has been subjected to medical labels such as “pervasive developmental disorder” and “autistic spectrum disorder.” The continuous labeling of autism and other neurological conditions has created harmful stigmas and stereotypes.
For instance, the medicalization of autism has caused people to view autism only in terms of medical treatments rather than how to support people with autism to have fulfilling lives. Additionally, it creates a negative attitude towards people with autism leading to exclusion and discrimination.
It is essential to understand that the disease label negatively impacts the community living with this condition. The labeling of autism as a disease implies that people with autism are not whole but rather broken or defective. This leads to a sense of hopelessness, and they may be denied access to opportunities such as education and employment.
The Medicalization of Autism: An Argument Against Calling Autism a Disease
The medicalization of autism implies that it is a medical condition that requires medical intervention. It neglects the social and environmental factors that significantly influence the experiences of people with autism. Autism should not be seen merely as a medical but, instead, a condition that requires inclusive interventions.
The medicalization of autism can lead to over-diagnosis and over-treatment, with many people with autism subjected to unnecessary medical interventions. It can also lead to an undue focus on curing the condition, creating a false narrative that people with autism are defective and require a cure.
Furthermore, the disease model of autism doesn’t match its characteristics, complexity, and the variation between individuals. Therefore, it is not appropriate but rather stigmatizing, creating negative attitudes towards people with autism.
Autism as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Not a Disease
Neurodevelopmental disorders are neurological conditions that affect the normal brain development and behavior of individuals. Autism is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a disease, which explains that it is not a health issue or an illness that needs to be cured.
Research shows that autism is a difference in the development of the brain, which affects how individuals perceive and understand information from their environment. Autism is characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and narrow, obsessive interests. Due to the complexities of autism, it is crucial to view it as a condition and not a disease.
The perspective that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder and not a disease helps us understand the priorities and needs of those with autism. By understanding disability as an experience resulting from social and environmental barriers, it becomes possible to focus on empowering people with autism to thrive in life.
The Harmful Implications of Calling Autism a Disease
The labeling of autism as a disease severely impacts the lives of people with autism. It promotes stereotypes that people with autism need to be cured, leading to exclusion and discrimination. This creates negative attitudes towards people with autism, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and stigmas.
Furthermore, labeling autism as a disease implies negative connotations that impact funding for support services and research. As such, it is critical to change the language and how we conceptualize the condition to avoid perpetuating negative beliefs.
Society’s Misconceptions about Autism: It’s Not a Disease to be Cured
Misconceptions about autism and disease range from believing that autism is contagious, that it is a punishment from a higher power, or that individuals with autism lack intelligence. Such myths create stigma and stereotypes that lead to exclusion and discrimination.
It is important to acknowledge that autism is not a disease to be cured, but a condition that requires understanding and acceptance. People with autism have distinctive strengths, weaknesses, and characteristics that make them unique. It is essential to focus on the strengths and understand the challenges people with autism experience to help them access the appropriate support and services.
Conclusion
Autism is not a disease, but a condition that affects how an individual perceives, interacts, and processes information from their environment. It is essential to understand the complex nature of autism and challenge harmful stigmas perpetuated by the disease model. Changing our perspective and language surrounding autism can promote acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism into our society.
Join the movement to break society’s misconceptions and spread awareness about autism. Acceptance and understanding are the critical keys to helping those with autism lead fulfilling lives with their unique strengths and challenges.
