⚖ Autism as a superpower, difference, or disability: The “words matter” argument goes in both directions, and requires a thoughtful and balanced application.
👓 For different people, and even at different points in their own lives, autism may be viewed as a superpower, a difference, or a disability.
People who have been diagnosed with Autism, had previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s, or assumed to have been undiagnosed Autistic, have accomplished some great things. Anita Cameron, Dan Ackroyd (a fellow Canadian, and sadly no, we don’t all know each other), Temple Grandin, Tom Wiggins, and Elon Musk, are just some of the names that come to mind.
There are so many more autistic people, lesser known as they may be, who through their differences or special interests, have done great things. These people and their stories are exciting and inspiring, but are not fully representative of all autism experiences.
There are many people for whom aspects of their autism substantially limits one or more major life activities.
📰 A 2017 AJPH article states “Individuals with autism appear to be at substantially heightened risk for death from injury.”
📰 A 2021 JAMA article states “Several recent population-based mortality studies have demonstrated extraordinarily high rates of death by suicide in autistic youth and adults.”
“To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability… An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a[n] impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities…” (ADA).
While terms like “disability” may be inappropriate or undesirable for some people in the autism or autistic communities, it may be entirely appropriate and even important for others.
🗝 It’s important we are careful and thoughtful in the language we collectively incentivize or de-incentivize. In our cultural, healthcare, and educational systems, certain language may function as a mechanism to help access important resources, and provide validation for those who identify with those terms.
Different people. Different experiences. Different language.
This is a tricky topic. It’s important to approach this issue in a well rounded and inclusive way. I urge people, particularly those with wide reaching social media platforms, to be cognizant about the varied experiences, perspectives, and support needs among the broader autism community in advocating on this important issue.
Brandon Herscovitch, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D
Partners Behavioral Health can help with your clinical and business standards, compliance, and outcomes. We can help you scale an ethical ABA practice you’re proud about.
