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Against neurodiversity

Costandi, Moheb
http://aeon.co/essays/why-the-neurodiversity-movement-has-become-harmful

Publisher:  Aeon
Date Written:  12/09/2019
Year Published:  2019  
Resource Type:  Article

The neurodiversity movement has good intentions, but it favours the high-functioning and overlooks those who struggle with severe autism.

Abstract: 

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Excerpt:

Autism is arguably one of the most controversial subjects of our time. Due partly to a lack of understanding of its causes, current discourse on this subject is a narrative jungle strewn with young, overgrown and ill-conceived ideas jostling for a spot in the sun...

Into this maelstrom came the neurodiversity movement, whose advocates celebrate autism as a gift that is an integral part of identity. They promise to make the voices of autistics heard, and to improve their quality of life by making the world more accepting of, and accommodating for, them, after decades of being marginalised and victimised. However, in recent years, there has been a backlash against this – growing numbers of people are now speaking out against the neurodiversity movement, claiming that it does not represent them and, more importantly, that it ignores the plight of those with severe autism....

Neurodiversity advocates can romanticise autism. While many with mild forms of autism might lead relatively 'normal" daily lives with little or no assistance, many who are more severely affected cannot function properly without round-the-clock care.
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