Opposing Views of Autism: To Cure or Not to Cure, that is the Question

Kimberly Byrd
Sep 3, 2018 · 5 min read

Two opposing views have developed regarding autism that affect how autistic persons are treated in medical, legal, and educational circles — the cure viewpoint and the neurodiversity viewpoint.

The Cure View

According to the cure view, autism is a puzzle to be solved (think the widespread image of the puzzle piece as a symbol for autism, popularized by organizations like Autism Speaks). The primary concerns of those who hold this view of autism are determining autism’s cause (and, if…

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Kimberly Byrd

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Attorney licensed in NC & author. No posts should be interpreted as legal advice or advertising.

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