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Controversial Topic - if there was a cure for autism, would you take it?

Raven_Forester

Hi Everyone, 

I'm not sure if this post is okay, and I'll take it down if its upsetting or too much, but I'm just curious. 

I'll preface with the fact that I haven't actually been diagnosed (yet), but I hold the educated opinion that I am indeed on the Spectrum. Partially because my parents are in denial and worse because my stepdad (a know-it-all) has a masters in psych and claims to have worked with the creator of ABA therapy once upon a time so he thinks he's all knowing about the topic of autism. And I know ABA can be and is extremely harmful to many. Anyway, they both think that if there's a cure for autism the world would be a better place. They also think all autism should be caught early and ABA be applied (not trying to make a pun). However this is not the case for many, myself being an example. I don't want to speak for anyone but what I've generally seen from the internet is that the autistic community would rather have acceptance and support rather than a cure. One of the reasons I'm considering and hoping that I am indeed autistic is so I can get the help I honestly never knew I needed but looking back realized I could have seriously benefitted from. If my parents knew I wasn't just quirky or knew how hard I have to work to seem normal maybe my anxiety to keep up those standards wouldn't be as sever. It's a thought anyway. But I don't think I'd want a cure, again considering that I am actually autistic. All things considered, I like who I am in many respects. My "quirks" make me who I am and I think It'd be hard for anyone to imagine me without them. 

So I'm curious to hear from the real autistic community, not my step-dad, if a cure is actually desired. 

I don't want arguments or anything, just a discussion. And I'll take this down if it's too controversial and causes problems. 

Parents

  • ASD is a spectrum and this is the same controversy over looking at genetic causes.  If you could stop ASD by terminating a pregnancy after doing a genetic test, would you?  If we did start doing that then society would lose many future great scientists and original thinkers.

    I don't have too many down sides so, no, I would never want a cure.  I had all the anxiety and anguish when I was younger and, luckily, I don't have any of it now.  However some have mostly negative traits so would probably want to get rid of them if they could.

    But who wants to be neurotypical - they have lots of downsides too including irrationality, prejudice and illogical thinking plus LOTS of neurosis and anxiety.  We are different and with understanding and the right environment, I think many people with ASD can have a happy life.  

Reply

  • ASD is a spectrum and this is the same controversy over looking at genetic causes.  If you could stop ASD by terminating a pregnancy after doing a genetic test, would you?  If we did start doing that then society would lose many future great scientists and original thinkers.

    I don't have too many down sides so, no, I would never want a cure.  I had all the anxiety and anguish when I was younger and, luckily, I don't have any of it now.  However some have mostly negative traits so would probably want to get rid of them if they could.

    But who wants to be neurotypical - they have lots of downsides too including irrationality, prejudice and illogical thinking plus LOTS of neurosis and anxiety.  We are different and with understanding and the right environment, I think many people with ASD can have a happy life.  

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