Autism Is Not a Disease — It’s a Different Way of Experiencing the World
Exploring why autism isn’t curable, the science behind it, and the harm of confusing it with total dependency.
By R.L. Crossan
Autism is not curable, because it is not a disease—it is a neurodevelopmental condition that originates from differences in brain development and function, often rooted in genetic variation.
To address the debate directly:
If someone believed autism could be "cured", that would require gene editing, like CRISPR, to "correct" or modify multiple genes BEFORE birth—but:
Autism is polygenic, meaning hundreds of genes may be involved.
Environmental factors also play a role.
Even among individuals with similar genetic markers, expression varies widely.
Changing DNA to "remove" autism would mean altering brain wiring and traits that are core to someone’s personality.
Ethical and Scientific Considerations:
Ethically, editing DNA to remove autism is controversial. Many autistic individuals reject the idea that they need to be "fixed."
Scientifically, there’s no single “autism gene” to fix. It’s incredibly complex and not something that can be “cured” like an infection.
Some traits of autism—like attention to detail, strong memory, unique creativity—are strengths, not deficits.
In Summary:
Autism is not a curable disease.
DNA “correction” is not only scientifically unfeasible but also ethically problematic.
Analogy: The Orchestra and the Headphones
Imagine every person’s brain is like an orchestra playing music.
Most people are given standard headphones to hear the music a certain way.
A person who is Deaf or hard of hearing may not hear the orchestra the same way—or at all—but they still experience the performance in rich and meaningful ways: they might feel the vibrations, see the rhythm, or express it through sign language. Their experience is different, not wrong.
Now imagine someone who is autistic:
Their orchestra is wired differently. The instruments may be tuned uniquely, or they may focus more on certain parts—like hearing the violins 10x louder than the drums.
It creates a distinct experience of the world. It may come with challenges—like sensory overload (the music gets too loud or intense)—but it also creates unique perspectives, like picking up patterns others miss or creating beautiful new melodies others never imagined.
Trying to “cure” either condition would mean saying:
“We don’t like how your orchestra plays. Let’s rewire it to sound like everyone else’s.”
But that would also erase the diversity of experience, the strengths, and the unique beauty that come from a different way of hearing or thinking.
What’s the real difference?
Deafness is often about a loss of function (like hearing due to inner ear damage). Technology can sometimes restore or bypass the problem.
Example: A cochlear implant can provide sound signals to the brain if the ear can’t.
But it doesn’t work for all, and many in the Deaf community choose not to use them.
Autism isn’t a loss of brain function—it's a different way the brain is wired from the start. There’s no “damaged part” to fix. It’s more like having a different operating system than most people, not a bug in the software.
Understanding Autism vs. Total Dependency: Clearing Up a Common Misconception
Recently, public comments from RFK Jr. have suggested that individuals with autism may never be able to use the bathroom on their own, hold a job, pay taxes, or have relationships. While these statements may sound like they describe autism, they actually reflect a misunderstanding of what autism is—and are far more representative of profound intellectual disability or severe physical conditions, not autism alone.
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a disease. It affects:
Social interaction and communication
Sensory processing
Behavior and routines
Autism exists on a spectrum, which means it includes people with very different support needs. Some may need full-time care, but many autistic people:
Are fully independent
Hold jobs
Pay taxes
Maintain relationships
Create art, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to society
What the Comments Actually Describe
The traits such as never using the bathroom independently, never paying taxes, or never holding a job are more accurately associated with:
Severe intellectual disability
Certain rare genetic conditions (e.g., Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome)
Advanced degenerative diseases like late-stage Alzheimer’s
Individuals with complex medical and physical support needs
Even within these communities, every individual is unique, and these traits are not universally true.
Why It’s Important to Clarify
Equating autism with total dependency:
Spreads misinformation
Stigmatizes autistic individuals
Overlooks their strengths and potential
Ignores the wide range of abilities within the autism community
Many autistic people live full, rich lives. Misrepresenting them harms inclusion and understanding.
Final Thought
Instead of assuming what someone with autism can or can’t do, we should focus on:
Individual strengths and needs
Supportive services and inclusive environments
Celebrating neurodiversity, not fearing it
If you or someone you know is navigating autism, know that autism is not a barrier to a meaningful life—it’s a different way of experiencing the world.