Would a Cure for Autism Change My Life?
Debating whether a cure for autism would transform my existence is a complex and nuanced question. As a woman with autism, I often find myself oscillating between a resounding 'Yes' and a firm 'No.' Let's delve into the intricacies of my response.
Personal Experiences and Autism
I am a person with autism, not 'an autistic person.' I identify as having autism, and it is a fundamental part of my identity. Accompanying autism, I face other challenges such as OCD, auditory and visual processing disorders, dyslexia, and mathematical disabilities. My perception of autism and its potential cures is colored by these experiences. At times, autism gives me perseverance and strength, but it can also be a source of profound struggles.
The Concept of a Cure
The idea of a cure for autism is not without its complexities. A cure for autism would not reprogram the brain; rather, it would address the broken connections within my neural network. This would leave my personality intact while potentially enhancing energy levels and overall functionality. I see autism as unoilaled gears in my brain, where a cure would be the oil, allowing my thoughts to flow more smoothly.
However, the notion of a cure must be weighed against the moral and ethical implications. The analogy with curing being gay is striking: it brings to light the point that autism, like being gay, is not a choice and should not be considered a disorder in the classical sense. Curing autism would be akin to curing homosexuality, which is both pointlessly invasive and disrespectful.
Curing Other Conditions
When it comes to other conditions that significantly impact my life, I would readily embrace a cure. For instance, I would gladly take a pill to cure my Aspergers, ADHD, anxiety, depression, asthma, and COPD. These conditions negatively affect my everyday functioning and often lead to social isolation, bullying, and other forms of mistreatment. A treatment that could alleviate these issues would be a game-changer for me.
Hoping for a Cure
One of the main reasons I would pursue a cure for my autism is the hope for improved social acceptance and a more fulfilling life. I often dream of being able to perform tasks as efficiently as my peers and hope that this could lead to employment, social acceptance, and rewarding relationships. The absence of bullying, abuse, and ostracism would significantly enhance my quality of life. However, the current reality is that there is no practical way to increase intelligence and it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. As a result, I am forced to live with the challenges of a lower IQ, which significantly impacts my daily life.
The Human Condition
Ultimately, the debate over a cure for autism comes down to the core of what makes us human. Personal struggles and unique traits like autism are not merely flaws but essential parts of our identities. While a cure for conditions like low IQ or autism-related challenges would undoubtedly improve my life, it is imperative to recognize that the essence of who I am would remain unchanged.