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If Autism could be cured, would you?

Lupus

I think it's an interesting question to ask, if a cure for Autism were ever created, would you cure yourself?

It's hard for me to decide on whether or not I would cure myself, because there are positives and negatives of having Autism in my opinion.

Positives of my Autism:

  • Idiosyncratic interests have led to me being very successful in certain areas.
  • Less likely to give in to peer-pressure because I really don't care about what others think in those terms.
  • Having a rigid thinking pattern and being well organised makes life easier (IMO).
  • My honesty is appreciated by some people.

Negatives of my Autism:

  • My face not reflecting how I really feel, so constantly being told that I have "resting-*****-face".
  • Getting uncontrollably stressed and anxious over things that I know are stupid.
  • Sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Finding it difficult to find and maintain friendships.
  • My honesty is not appreciated by most people.
  • Laughing at things that most people don't find funny and looking like an idiot.

If my Autism disappeared, I wonder if my personality would completely change.. and if that would be for the better? If I had to give an answer right here right now, I would probably say no to a cure simply because I think I would become unrecognisable personality wise. 

Parents

  • It sounds like you're saying "If you could become neurotypical, would you?"

    - If I lost all the attributes I ascribe to being autistic, good and bad then 'probably not' (though that depends on what kind of an autie-day I'm having) as I'd lose too much 'awesome'

    - If I only lost the negative attributes I ascribe to being autistic then 'yes, in a heartbeat' as I would be 'even more awesome'

    Better to ask if there was a virus you could release that would make NTs actually 'a bit autistic' (like they often claim to be), would you?

    Yes I bloody well would!

  • in reply to Original Prankster

    Am I missing something here or do people here genuinely seem to believe that Autism isn't a disease/disorder and just put it down to being "neurologically diverse"?

  • in reply to Lupus

    Autism is absolutely part of the neurodiversity of the species, I certainly don't consider it to 'impair normal functioning' - I function 'normally' for me, just 'differently' than the majority of the population, hence my preference to describe myself as 'neuroatypical'.

    Is left-handedness a disease?

    or colour-blindness?

    or synesthesia?

    or dyslexia?

    or Dean Karnazes ridiculous ability to run?

    I'd say no. It may be that people with these conditions have 'mutations' within their genetic makeup or are simply 'outliers' within the population.

    I don't define myself through being autistic any more than I do from having blue/green eyes or crap hair - they are intrinsic attributes of 'me'.

    I'm not 'proud' of my autistic nature, sometimes it means I can be an utter *** - but I can also see that it means there are some things I'm really, really good at and I've been fortunate enough to build a good career using those aspects.

    I don't 'seclude myself with other autistics', though I work in IT, so to be honest I think a lot of people I work with are on the spectrum (diagnosed or otherwise).

    Lupus said:
    I've always found it easier to be happy if I stick with NTs and try and fit in.

    Really? REALLY? It's easier to be happy trying to be something that you aren't? Constantly masking, burning energy to 'translate' what's going on around you, concerned you might 'slip up' and be outed?

    I have been a lot happier since my diagnosis and the fact that I have been able to be honest with people about who I am and what I struggle with... the ability to be 'mindful' of my own anxiety state and communicate that to understanding (NT) colleagues at work has been particularly beneficial.

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  • in reply to Lupus

    Autism is absolutely part of the neurodiversity of the species, I certainly don't consider it to 'impair normal functioning' - I function 'normally' for me, just 'differently' than the majority of the population, hence my preference to describe myself as 'neuroatypical'.

    Is left-handedness a disease?

    or colour-blindness?

    or synesthesia?

    or dyslexia?

    or Dean Karnazes ridiculous ability to run?

    I'd say no. It may be that people with these conditions have 'mutations' within their genetic makeup or are simply 'outliers' within the population.

    I don't define myself through being autistic any more than I do from having blue/green eyes or crap hair - they are intrinsic attributes of 'me'.

    I'm not 'proud' of my autistic nature, sometimes it means I can be an utter *** - but I can also see that it means there are some things I'm really, really good at and I've been fortunate enough to build a good career using those aspects.

    I don't 'seclude myself with other autistics', though I work in IT, so to be honest I think a lot of people I work with are on the spectrum (diagnosed or otherwise).

    Lupus said:
    I've always found it easier to be happy if I stick with NTs and try and fit in.

    Really? REALLY? It's easier to be happy trying to be something that you aren't? Constantly masking, burning energy to 'translate' what's going on around you, concerned you might 'slip up' and be outed?

    I have been a lot happier since my diagnosis and the fact that I have been able to be honest with people about who I am and what I struggle with... the ability to be 'mindful' of my own anxiety state and communicate that to understanding (NT) colleagues at work has been particularly beneficial.

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