Why we don't need a "cure" for autism, and the solution we do need

I don't think the people saying we need a cure for autism understand what this would actually mean.

We're talking about completely rewiring a person's brain. 

Not isolating a specific harmful thing attacking the brain (like with a virus or cancer).

We're talking about taking a fully integrated brain system, and messing around with its highly intricate wiring... in the hopes of targeting specific "problematic" functioning.

But at this point, autism research has consistently pointed to the fact that autistic brain wiring comes with increased strengths in certain areas and increased vulnerabilities in others.

We have not found persuasive evidence suggesting that autism presents with only vulnerabilities and no unique strengths.

Which logically means that if we manage to "fix" the vulnerabilities, chances are extremely high we will also affect the strengths. 

And let me be perfectly clear as an autistic person speaking only for myself. 

I would absolutely NOT want my brain touched if it meant that all the things I am especially good at could suddenly disappear along with my vulnerabilities. 

This would not even remotely be worth the tradeoff for me. 

Even if it meant I could live a "normal" life with no sensory or social issues ever again. 

(And, to be clear, these are disabling challenges for me. I am not saying this because my autistic challenges are small. They are not.)

Because that would mean I am no longer... me. 

And I would NOT be ok with that. 

Ever.

Autism is not a disease attacking the brain that can be isolated and extracted. 

It's literally an entire functioning system inside the brain.

Chasing a "cure" for autism isn't just about removing a person's challenges. 

It's about removing a person's personhood. 

And this is simply not an acceptable "solution." 

The solution we need isn't a "cure"... it's a greater understanding of autistic vulnerabilities and needs so, as a society, we can create better support systems for autistic people.

Oh, and by the way, also reap monumental benefits from all the unimpeded strengths our autistic members of society would then be able to offer the world.

But first... supports.

Real ones. Meaningful ones. Concrete ones. That's the solution.

Not a "cure.