Controversies in autism

There is considerable disagreement over the exact nature of autism, a spectrum or cluster of conditions, of varying severity, which are not well understood. The medical community considers autistic disorders to be essentially incurable, or at least to have life-long effects. Many autistic adults and neurotypical (non-autistic) allies in the autism rights movement, however, do not consider autism to be a disorder at all, but a unique way of being, and believe that at least some of the difficulties associated with autism may be the result of prejudice and lack of accommodation from society.

Related Topics:
Autism - Neurotypical - Autism rights movement - Prejudice

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The causes of autism are poorly understood, as are the prognoses, or treatment options. There is, however, widespread agreement that early diagnosis and intervention can often make a significant difference for an autistic person's long-term prospects. The human mind and nervous system are more plastic at a younger age, and there is a great urgency in the search for possible therapies and treatments.

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With knowledge being so limited, and scientific progress slow, nearly all aspects of dealing with autism are hotly debated. Parents of autistic kids face a bewildering set of choices, and attendant uncertainty about their merits.

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Some of these controversies are described below. These controversies not only involve parents, but also autistic people, and those who know them. Many autistic people (and some non-autistic supporters) believe that a natural emphasis on the problems facing children has often left support for adults neglected.

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