Every so often, I scroll through the news or social media and see conversations about “fixing” autism, about “curing” it, or about how it’s some kind of problem to be solved. And every time, I feel that horendous ache — because this couldn’t be further from the truth. Today was so hard for me personally with all that is in the news .
Let’s say it clearly: autism is not an illness. Autistic people ARE NOT BROKEN! There is no cure, because there doesn’t need to be one. Autism is a neurotype — a different way of thinking, of processing the world, of communicating and socialising. The autistic brain is not wrong or faulty; it’s simply wired uniquely.
Being autistic means experiencing the world through a unique lens. Yes, there are huge challenges — navigating a world built for neurotypical people is really exhausting. Sensory overloads, social misunderstandings, or the endless need to “mask” can make life tough. We live life like this every day! But those challenges don’t mean autism itself is wrong.
It just means society hasn’t quite caught up yet in terms of accessibility, understanding, and acceptance.
Our Awesome unique Autistic strengths as a neurodivergent family.
In our family, autism brings so many blessings. Here are just a few:
- Honesty & Authenticity – Like many autistic people, we often say what we mean and mean what we say. There’s no pretence, no hidden agenda — and that honesty is refreshing in a world that can be full of masks.
- Passion & Focus – When an autistic person finds their special interest, the depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication is awe-inspiring. That passion can turn into expertise, careers, and innovations that benefit us all. That exactly why we do what we do here!
- Unique Problem-Solving – Our thinking differently means approaching problems from fresh angles. Some of the most creative solutions and original ideas come from neurodivergent minds like ours.
- Deep Empathy & Fairness – Despite the stereotype, many autistic people feel emotions intensely and care deeply about justice, fairness, and kindness.
- Joy in the Small Things – From noticing tiny details others overlook to finding comfort in routines, our autistic brains have brought a richness to everyday life that many people miss out on. This is why we are neuroaffirming!
Stop Trying to “Fix” What Isn’t Broken
The idea of “curing” autism or ” fixing autistic people”suggests something is wrong, when in fact, autistic people are whole, complete, and valuable exactly as they are. What needs changing is not autistic people, but the barriers, stigma, and lack of understanding they face.
We don’t need to “fix” autistic people — we need to fix the systems that exclude them, the attitudes that shame them, and the myths that misrepresent them.
Being a neurodivergent family isn’t always easy. There are hard days, yes. But there are also moments of pure magic: the pride of watching our children thrive when they’re accepted, the joy of learning from their perspectives, and the deep sense of community we’ve found by connecting with other families like ours.
Autism is woven into the very fabric of who we are as a family — and we wouldn’t change that for the world.
If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this: autism is not something to be feared, pitied, or cured. It’s a different way of being human. A valid, valuable, and beautiful way.
So let’s stop trying to fix what isn’t broken — and instead start celebrating the gifts, strengths, and unique voices that autism brings to our world.