Accept the Person in Front of You Instead of Thinking They Need a Cure
Last fall, speculation about what causes autism dominated the news. I emphasize speculation, because there is no solid science that supports any one theory about the cause of autism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Scientists believe there are multiple causes of autism spectrum disorder that act together to change the most common ways people develop.” It is a complex condition.
A focus on the causes of autism can cause harm to autistic people and their families, because we live in a culture that is quick to assign blame. Speculation on a cause tends to blame the parents, particularly the mother, that it is somehow their fault either by their genetics or their actions or inactions. That is pointless.
Millions of autistic individuals around the world see autism as a fundamental part of who they are and not something they wish to change.
Therefore, a better starting point is acceptance and acknowledging the whole person as good and unique, created in the image of God. That’s been the mission of Mosaic since our founding more than a century ago.
Mosaic believes the best support for people with disabilities and other diverse needs is a loving, accepting community—one that embraces their uniqueness and allows them to develop fully into the person they’re meant to be.
It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t support a cure if there was solid evidence for one. It simply means that it should not be our main focus when there is a person right in front of us who deserves acceptance for who they are in their wholeness.
April is Autism Acceptance Month. It evolved from Autism Awareness Month, which has been acknowledged since the early 1970s. Autism self-advocates promoted the change to acceptance in 2011, and it is now recognized by the federal government.
Acceptance speaks to recognizing the rights of autistic people. It is an action we can take right now without understanding the causes of autism.
What does acceptance look like in action?
Listening
When seeking to understand autism, look to autistic self-advocates first. They are the true experts on their own lives and experiences. True listening builds compassion, even if we don’t fully understand.
Thinking
Autism spectrum disorder is just that: a spectrum. It refers to vastly different abilities and communication styles. Don’t start from a standpoint of “otherness,” but instead from a standpoint of uniqueness. Aim to appreciate and celebrate people for their singularly distinctive ways of thinking and acting. God made us all different for a reason, and there is beauty in diversity.
Respecting
Let the autistic person or, if they don’t communicate in a way you understand, their support person take the lead. Respect the person’s desire to interact with you or not to interact with you. Forcing interaction with someone who doesn’t want it is awkward and offers the risk of hurtful misunderstandings.
Use preferred language. Some prefer “autistic person” (identity-first), while others prefer “person with autism” (person-first). When in doubt about a person’s preference, ask the question or simply use the person’s name unless more information is essential to the context.
Supporting
Support means actively removing the barriers that make the world difficult for neurodivergent people to navigate. If someone needs to wear noise-canceling headphones, use a fidget tool, or take a “sensory break” during a meeting or social event, make it a non-issue.
Acceptance in action often looks like waiting. Whether it’s waiting for a response in conversation or waiting for a transition to happen, your patience is a form of advocacy.
In the end, it comes down to realizing each of us is unique. We all want to be accepted for who we really are—not who others think we should be. It starts by modeling that behavior in our own actions.
Mosaic is a whole-person healthcare organization that meets people where they are. Our services are designed for people with disabilities, behavioral health needs and autism, as well as aging adults. To locate services near you, visit Find Services.