What is Autism and Can It Be Cured?

Autism has always been part of human diversity, yet misconceptions continue to shape how it is discussed, understood, and supported in schools. When educators and administrators base their approach on accurate information and neurodiversity-affirming practices, autistic students are better supported and understood.

What Is Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, learns, and experiences the world. Although autism is classified as a disability, that label reflects the world’s lack of accommodation rather than a deficit within the individual. Most environments are designed for neurotypical needs, which can make daily life more challenging for autistic people. 

Autism does not present in one specific way. Some autistic individuals may have strong verbal skills, while others communicate through gestures, assistive technology, or alternative methods. One person’s sensory needs may cause them to seek deep pressure or movement, while another person may avoid loud sounds or bright lights. 

For educators and administrators, recognizing this diversity is key to providing meaningful support. Each autistic student has their own profile of strengths and challenges. Approaching students with curiosity rather than assumptions allows support strategies to be tailored effectively and respectfully.

Why Autism Rates Are Increasing

While some have tried to link the increase in diagnoses to vaccines, screen time, parenting styles, and acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), research has consistently disproven those claims. The rise in autism rates reflects an increase in autism diagnoses, not an increase in the actual number of autistic individuals. Autism is genetic and has existed throughout human history. 

Unfortunately, girls and women, people of color, and those with less common autistic traits have historically been overlooked or misdiagnosed. As a result, they were not represented in data on autism prevalence. Now with greater awareness, improved diagnostic criteria, and evolving research, professionals are identifying autism more accurately across diverse populations. This progress allows more children and adults to access the understanding and support they have always needed.

Recognizing that autism has always been a present part of human diversity helps shift the conversation away from fear and toward acceptance, inclusion, and equitable access to education and resources. 

Can Autism Be Cured?

Autism cannot be cured because it is not a disease. It’s a difference that needs to be understood. The belief that autism can or should be “cured” stems from misconception that autistic people are broken or incomplete. This perspective not only causes significant emotional harm but also devalues autistic identities by trying to erase them.

Instead of trying to eliminate autism, the focus should be on helping autistic individuals thrive as they are by providing appropriate accommodations and creating environments that respect different ways of learning and communicating. 

When schools, families, and communities adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices, they build a culture that values all ways of thinking and being. Building systems that recognize and support neurological differences leads to stronger, more equitable learning environments for everyone.

‍

Learning about autism, and neurodivergence in general, can feel overwhelming. While research and advocacy efforts from the autistic community have greatly reduced the stigma surrounding autism, harmful misinformation is still widespread and persistent. For educators, understanding neurodivergence from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective rather than through a medical or deficit-based lens can make all the difference in how autistic students learn, behave, and feel at school. Check out our Professional Development offerings to lean practical ways to support your students.

‍

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/autism 

https://www.socialcipher.com/post/5-autism-myths-and-facts

https://www.socialcipher.com/post/is-autism-a-disability

https://www.socialcipher.com/post/6-assistive-technologies-for-autistic-students

https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/390/bmj.r2025.full.pdf?casa_token=uYnG-AVCHr0AAAAA:LPTDgwCZdWucJJu-CCcJfJ5JhEg58-fNnxg_HODQ7THmAVe4nqF9bsLC8jEnIFyCI3OO856Dc4g

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2812722

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.14111

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-tylenol-use-during-pregnancy-cause-autism-what-the-research-shows/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TIS_092225&utm_term=the%20evidence%20of%20a%20link%20is%20weak&_kx=ax9k5NSbZplRFCiFiLkhfWWu1C8tpy51e3LG8vNu6ZM.WEer5A

https://www.socialcipher.com/post/how-schools-can-support-autistic-girls

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8500365/

‍