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Yes, it IS a disability!

Yes, it IS a disability!

I honestly have to wonder if political correctness will be the death of us. Especially those of us with autism spectrum disorder if it is ever defined solely as a way of thinking differently, thus possibly nullifying services needed to survive. Autism is the only neurodevelopmental disorder that is constantly in conflict with causes, treatment options and self-identification.
If you are totally self-sufficient, possibly married with (or without) kids, able to pay a mortgage or rent, manage a 401K along with feeding and dressing yourself, chances are you won't view your autism as a disability, but rather as ONLY a way of "thinking differently" or "processing at a different speed".
Here is the problem I see if this one-sided perception becomes accepted as the norm: insurance companies won't have to cover treatment. It is hard enough to get insurance companies to accept autism as a valid medical diagnosis. I have to claim my co-morbids as a way to get services. Why? Autism isn't seen as a valid claim for receiving state-funded services. Yet chronic anxiety and impulse control issues are tied into my autism.
If you don't see yourself as disabled but have been diagnosed with autism, fine. That's your experience. But remember the other side of the story, that there are many with autism who cannot function without some form of supportive services, and not all can afford not to have state aid, even if family is involved in that person's care.
I know of someone whose adult grandchild is almost non-verbal and doesn't understand the concept of money. They will most likely live with their parents for the rest of the parents' natural lives.
Autism is not merely a way of thinking or processing differently. A difference in neuro-makeup is certainly part of autism. It is not the whole story, however. If you don't need supportive services, that is a blessing God gave to you. Please use it to remember those less fortunate (but NEVER less) and don't gloss over the disability part (whether it is disabling  to you or not). Life is hard enough for me and those who love me.
Declaring autism isn't a disability is discriminatory and hurtful. This view denies me my experiences and reality!

 See my other post on this subject here: http://through1filter.blogspot.com/2016/11/please-stop-saying-autism-is-only-way.html


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