Autism research often more bigotry than science

An Expressnews article recently reported on research from a team at UT Health about neurological functioning, or how people process information and respond to their sensory environment (“Chemical exposure may be tied to autism, ADHD,” Saturday).

This research suggests that exposure to environmental toxins may cause autism and ADHD. As an autistic person, I am concerned that this work relies on a range of false beliefs about autism that are historically inaccurate and can cause real harm to autistic people.

I want to push against the scaremongering surrounding autism and make a case for greater understanding and acceptance of all forms of neurodiversity, a term that recognizes the diversity of neurological functioning as natural and thus not something to fear.

For as long as there have been people, there have been neurodivergent people. Unfortunately, our history has too often been one of ostracism and persecution. Autism is an object of scientific curiosity, at best, and something to be prevented, at worst.

While research about what causes autism may seem like a noble pursuit of knowledge, such research reframes what is a naturally occurring neurotype into both an epidemic and as a problem to be eradicated.

The implications of this are wide-ranging and highly damaging. What may seem to be an increase in autism cases is, in fact, the result of greater awareness about autism and how it manifests. We are witnessing a growing number of people being recognized for who they are. And that is a good thing.

I also disagree with the characterization of autism in terms of a spectrum of severity.

The term spectrum more accurately describes the diversity of human neurotypes, of which autism is just one — like an operating system for a computer. And while autistic people do have differing support needs, what is often considered severe autism is instead a reflection of a range of issues, such as trauma and learning disabilities.

Research that pathologizes autistic people and presents them as disordered should be recognized as bigotry masquerading as science.

Instead of seeking autism’s causes and, in doing so, creating fear among parents and sowing stigma across society, we should truly accept autism and other forms of neurodiversity. The stakes could not be higher, as children with autism have a dramatically high suicide rate and the life expectancy for adults with autism is only 39 years.

Truly accepting autism and other forms of neurodiversity means recognizing that people move through and process the world differently, and that our schools, workplaces and homes must tolerate the sorts of behaviors that some seek to eradicate.

As autism is a disability, requests for accommodations must be followed, including reducing noise and other stimuli that can overwhelm autistic people.

Ultimately, it means listening to and being willing to learn from autistic and other neurodivergent people.