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Autism & Society: Why How We See Disability Matters

Updated: 5 days ago

Let’s talk about autism; and more importantly, how we see autism as a society.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how someone communicates, interacts socially, processes sensory input, and behaves (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). But the truth is, it looks different in every person. That’s why it’s called a spectrum. Every autistic person brings their own strengths, struggles, quirks, and gifts to the table. No two autistic individuals are exactly alike; and that’s part of what makes it so important for us to understand and respect.


While we’ve made progress as a society in understanding autism, there’s still a long way to go. One of the biggest shifts we need? Rethinking how we frame disability.

For a long time, autism (and really, all disabilities) have been viewed through what's called the medical model. This perspective sees autism as something that’s “wrong” with a person, something caused by genetics or the environment, that needs to be treated or cured (Oliver). So naturally, the focus on treatment and intervention approaches becomes helping autistic individuals “blend in” or behave more like their neurotypical peers. Many therapies rooted in this model are designed to reduce autistic traits rather than support a person in living authentically (Kapp et al.).


But there's another lens through which we can choose to view autism: the social model of disability. The social model flips the script. Instead of assuming the individual needs to change, it looks at how society can do better. It recognizes that people aren’t disabled by their conditions; they’re disabled by the barriers and systems that weren’t designed or created with them in mind (Shakespeare).

woman with a black shirt, black headphones, and sunglasses white a white background

Think about it: What if instead of forcing autistic people to fit into a world that overwhelms or misunderstands them, we adjusted the environment to meet them where they are?

This model says: Autism isn’t the problem. Inaccessible spaces, harmful assumptions, and rigid expectations of how people ought to behave is the problem.


This shift is powerful. It means autistic people don’t need to be “fixed,” they need to be included, heard, and supported.


So what does that support really look like? Well, supporting autistic individuals starts with understanding and accepting that there’s more than one “right” way to be human.

Autistic people often have incredible strengths including the ability for deep focus, unique perspectives, creative problem-solving, fierce honesty, and more (Robertson and Ne’eman). But too often, society overlooks these because it’s busy trying to mold everyone into one way of thinking, working, or socializing that fits the neurotypical expectations.


Instead of trying to eliminate autistic traits, we should be designing environments where those traits can thrive. That might look like:

● Creating sensory-friendly spaces (dim lighting, quiet rooms, noise-canceling options)

● Providing clear, visual communication tools (think signs, checklists, or visual schedules)

● Adapting workplace flexibility (written instructions, noise-reducing setups, flexible hours)

● Respecting social differences in interactions (not expecting eye contact, understanding stimming, honoring need for routine)


These aren’t massive changes, but they can make a massive difference.

Autism isn’t a disease. It’s not something that needs to be “cured,” hidden, or ashamed of. That means the real work falls on those of us who are neurotypical to learn, adapt, and build a more inclusive world.


So what can we actually do to support autistic individuals?

● Watch your language. Ditch terms like “high-functioning” or “normal” and ask how someone prefers to be described.

● Be open to feedback. If an autistic person shares what they need, listen and don’t try to explain it away.

● Create spaces where differences aren’t just tolerated, but welcomed and celebrated.


Keep learning and learn from the right people, including autistic voices. There are some fantastic books and resources (books, podcasts, and YouTube videos are just the tip of the iceberg) that share what it’s really like to live with autism and what support truly means and looks like.


These works offer firsthand insights into what it means to be autistic in a neurotypical world and how we can do better.


In conclusion, creating a more inclusive world for autistic individuals doesn’t mean changing them; it means changing how we design our environments, shape our expectations, and open our minds to include, accept, and support them.


We need to shift away from asking, “How can we make autistic people fit in with our expectations and norms?” and start asking, “How can we make this space more welcoming for everyone?”


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FOR MORE RESOURCES ON AUTISM, CHECK OUT:






References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?” CDC, 2 Apr.2024,https://www.cdc.gov/autism/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/f acts.html. 

  2. Kapp, Steven K., et al. “Deficit, Difference, or Both? Autism and Neurodiversity.” Developmental Psychology, vol. 49, no. 1, 2013, pp. 59–71. 

  3. Oliver, Michael. The Politics of Disablement. Macmillan, 1990. 

  4. Robertson, Scott M., and Ari Ne’eman. “Autistic Acceptance, the College Campus, and Technology: Growth of Neurodiversity in Society and Academia.” Disability Studies Quarterly, vol. 28, no. 4, 2008, https://dsq-sds.org/article/view/146. 

  5. Shakespeare, Tom. Disability: The Basics. Routledge, 2017.




Disclaimer:


This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.

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