Division in the Autism Community

The autism community is embroiled in debate regarding the focus of autism research dollars. Should they search for a cure or focus on treatments for today?

As hard as it may be to believe, the autism community is quite divided. This division actually occurs on several fronts and center around a few key arguments. The main division, being played out among autism support circles, is regarding where autism research dollars should go. Some believe that the majority of money should be focused on cures for autism and autism prevention. The opposite side of this view is that autism isn’t curable, nor is it preventable, so the money should go towards researching ways to improve the quality of life of those with autism.

This division is frustrating from the standpoint of a consumer of services geared towards autism. Both sides have numerous scientific studies that back up their claims. For every pro-cure study there is an anti-cure study that sounds equally convincing. What I would like to see is a concentrated effort on raising autism awareness and helping those who are living with autism today. The millions of dollars being spent on autism prevention research do nothing to improve the quality of my children’s lives.

Sure, in theory, preventing autism would negate the need for spending money on autism treatments but that isn’t helpful for the 1 in 150 children in the United States currently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. My wish is that the autism organizations that are put in place to support the community would come together and focus their time, money, and energy on a common set of goals. Helping those who need help now should be at the top of that goal list.

As the new Feature Writer of the Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome topic, I’m definitely interested in hearing what my readers have to say. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell me your thoughts on the autism divide.