Why Autism Is Not a Trend

To me autism is not a trend, more a complex condition with varied meanings: a gift, challenge, disability, or societal asset.

Photo by Alice Pasqual on Unsplash

Autism is not a fad. For different people, being autistic holds various meanings: it can be a unique perspective on the world, a caregiving challenge, a condition, a form of suffering, a disability, a talent, a societal asset, a loving presence, or even a source of frustration. These characteristics bring both challenges and extraordinary gifts. They call for a reevaluation of our understanding of what it means to be human. But how does society cope with this different way of thinking and feeling?

From a young age, I noticed I was different from others, and eventually, I was diagnosed with autism. As I grew older and learned more about the myths surrounding autism — such as the idea that autistic people lack empathy or the ability to understand others — I found these misconceptions deeply hurtful.

For different people, being autistic holds various meanings: it can be a unique perspective on the world, a caregiving challenge, a condition, a form of suffering, a disability, a talent, a societal asset, a loving…