CDC Report Insights: Are you suggesting autism now a disease?

By Linda Andron-Ostrow

The recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report on autism raises the usual questions: is autism a disease or as those from the neuro-diversity movement tell us, a natural variant in the human condition?

Temple Grandin has repeatedly reminded us about how the world would be without those on the spectrum. She speculates that the wheel might never have been invented because typical people might have always be in the back of the cave socializing. 

If we look at autism as a disease, we would have to believe that somehow there would be a cure. Cory Heads, a wonderful young man on the spectrum I have known since he was three, remarked that in order to cure autism one would have to change his brain… and then he would not be himself. 

Instead of thinking of it as a disease, Dr. Daniel Siegel speaks points to recognizing autism as neurological differences in linkages. It is hypothesized that there are too many linkages in the “autistic” brain, without enough differentiation. The goal then would be to help individuals with this neurology work towards an integrated brain. Instead of “curing” them, it would allow them to utilize their many gifts.

On a communal level we are called upon to value the differences that occur along the human spectrum and work to create connections for integration and benefit of the greater community. Imagine if CDC would represent the “Connected Differentiated Community”, where we can celebrate difference and use them to our advantage as a community. 

As those on the spectrum become more and more integrated, both accepted and celebrated for who they are, the anxieties and frustrations that often occur can become a thing of the past. For instance on April 14, Simon Baron Cohen, one of the most famous autism researchers, issued an article on the death of his sister who had a severe disability. He closes with some wisdom all of us and society can learn from those with disabilities.

  1.  It is possible be happy irregardless of material things
  2. No matter what life throws us, keep a sense of humor
  3. You can have a deep relationship just by being with another person, holding hands, and connecting

 So, now how would you answer the question? Is it about how to control a disease or is it about how to honor differences and create linkages?