Embark on a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of Autism – our blog explores the pressing question: Is Autism an illness or something more? Discover diverse perspectives, challenge preconceptions, and join us in unravelling the mysteries of the Autism spectrum.
Welcome to a journey of understanding Autism.
In recent times, Autism has captured increased attention, yet defining and comprehending it remains challenging.
With its diverse presentations, various comorbidities, and evolving attitudes, Autism stands as a complex spectrum.
This blog is your friendly guide to answering the question you might be asking: Is Autism an illness?
In the world of Autism, there’s no one-size-fits-all definition, diagnosis, or set of symptoms.
Researchers and the public grapple with this intricate puzzle, seeking answers to its causes.
To help you better understand if Autism is an illness, let’s explore two different ways of seeing Autism: the medical and social models.
Our exploration begins by examining the common medical and cognitive understanding of Autism.
We’ll also delve into the social model, urging you to consider that Autism is not always an illness to be fixed.
Join us on this journey as we navigate through different perspectives of understanding Autism.
Autism as an Illness- The Medical Model
In exploring the landscape of Autism, we have to look at its history first.
Often viewing Autism as a disorder or illness in need of fixing, the medical model has shaped our understanding of Autism Spectrum.
It all started with a psychiatrist, Leo Kanner, who in 1943 first described “infantile” Autism.
Bruno Bettelheim, a psychoanalyst, blamed “refrigerator mothers” for causing Autism in their children by being too cold and unable to form warm maternal bonds with their offspring in the 1960s.
The medical model of viewing Autism as an illness has been historically dominating.
Symptoms, including challenges in social interactions and communication, rigidity, special interests, and obsessions, have been categorised within this framework.
Nowadays, doctors often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) to begin diagnosing Autism.
Autism is presently considered a developmental disorder, focusing on identified brain differences, though controversies surround these perspectives.
Brain scans hint at distinctions, such as macrocephaly (enlarged brain), in some autistic brains, supporting the biomedical stance.
However, the cause of Autism remains elusive, fostering speculations and misconceptions.
The medical model’s emphasis on early intervention for children and the perpetual quest to pinpoint a cause have been significant concerns for researchers and parents alike.
Critics argue that perceiving Autism through the lens of the medical model tags it as a tragedy, a puzzle to be solved, or something in need of fixing.
This viewpoint, heavily loaded with notions of threat and impairment, contributes to stigma and negative societal attitudes.
In exploring whether Autism is an illness, let’s consider alternative perspectives that embrace diversity and promote understanding.
DSM- a Tool Defining Autism as an Illness
In understanding Autism, the diagnosis process involves using a tool called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM), where professionals like paediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists work together, often with speech therapists, pedagogues, or parents.
Unlike other medical conditions, there aren’t specific tests for Autism; instead, experts rely on interviews and observations.
However, this method raises some crucial questions.
Without clear guidelines or a definitive test, how valid is the diagnosis, mainly when it depends on the opinion of a professional who may be biased?
Another concern is the cultural aspect.
Autism can look different in various countries and cultures, challenging the idea that it’s a universal medical phenomenon.
The DSM, created in the USA, may not fully align with diverse cultural communication styles.
If Autism varies across cultures, it leans more towards being socially constructed than a clear-cut medical condition.
Moreover, the DSM categorises Autism as a disorder, framing it as a problem or burden.
Communication challenges, a common feature, are viewed through a narrow lens focusing on verbal expression and literacy (spoken language and writing/reading).
The idea of the Autism Spectrum, often seen as a range of symptoms, becomes unclear through the medical model.
Dividing Autism into levels may pose challenges, especially as conditions like Asperger’s syndrome are now considered high-functioning Autism.
This brings up questions about severe Autism and whether it might coexist with learning disabilities or other conditions, affecting communication differently.
As we explore whether Autism is an illness, it becomes evident that the complexities of diagnosis, cultural variations, and the spectrum’s definition warrant a thoughtful and open conversation.
Understanding Autism goes beyond a straightforward medical perspective, emphasising the importance of acknowledging diverse experiences and perspectives within our community.
Autism as an Identity- The Social Model
Let’s step away from the medical jargon and dive into a more parent-friendly viewpoint on Autism – the social model.
This approach sees Autism as not an illness but a unique way of experiencing the world.
Picture it as a different tune in a world full of melodies.
Unlike the medical approach that may see Autism as a puzzle to solve, the social model, embraced by a supportive online community, values the diverse perspectives, needs, and thinking styles of your exceptional autistic children.
Think of it like this: while some folks want to “fix” Autism, there’s a growing chorus of voices saying, “Hey, it’s just part of who they are!”
These advocates don’t see Autism as an illness but as a different kind of awesome.
They believe societal attitudes and barriers play a role in shaping your child’s experiences on the spectrum.
Now, of course, every model has its quirks.
Some worry that the social model might miss the voices of those who can’t communicate as easily.
And let’s not forget the ongoing hunt for a “cure” – it hints that not everyone sees Autism as a unique trait; some might view it more like a challenge to overcome.
Some with “severe” Autism might not be able to be independent and may often face dangerous or life-threatening situations, for example, eating non-edible objects, being unsafe on the road or presenting challenging behaviours.
In a nutshell, the social model encourages parents to celebrate the unique melody their children bring to the world.
It’s a reminder that your little rockstars aren’t defined by an illness but by their incredible, one-of-a-kind selves.
Autism: Illness or Identity- The Verdict
Diving into the two different ways we understand Autism – the medical and social perspectives – it’s clear they both have their strengths and limitations.
The medical view listens to experts like professionals and doctors but might miss out on the voices of those living with Autism.
Meanwhile, the social model, recognising autistic individuals as experts in their own lives, strives to break down barriers but might inadvertently create new challenges within their community, forgetting to include the voices of those who are really unable to speak for themselves.
Despite the ongoing conflict between these viewpoints, it’s time for a change.
To truly grasp what Autism is – whether an illness, a choice, an identity, or a trait – advocates, researchers, and unheard voices need to come together.
Imagine a collective effort involving various communication modes, including non-western perspectives, to understand the diversity within the Autism phenomenon.
Currently labelled as ASC- Autism Spectrum Condition or ASD- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism poses challenges for those experiencing it, investigators, and families due to conflicting views and uncertainties.
In conclusion…
In wrapping up, let’s rethink how we see Autism.
The medical model calls it an illness, urging a cure. In contrast, the social model championing neurodiversity says it’s more about embracing differences.
Both have strengths and flaws, sparking conflicts within the Autism community.
It’s time for a reset, a fresh understanding crafted through diverse voices and cultural awareness.
By joining forces and redefining Autism together, we can bridge gaps, end conflicts, and genuinely address the needs of everyone involved.
Let’s embark on this journey, parents and teachers, hand in hand, embracing the unique beauty of every child on the Autism spectrum.
