Is Autism A Disability? Surprising Reasons for the Debate

Autism can be a mixed bag. It can create a lot of challenges for some children and adults with the disorder, but at the same time, it can also be a source of inspiration and talent. But is autism a disability or an ability?

Is autism a disability? This article examines the debate.

Determining whether autism is a disability or an ability lies with your perspective and also the scope and severity of the individual with autism. So, in asking is autism is a disability, realize that it’s more of a rhetorical question, as there is no right or wrong answer from the get-go.

Some people choose to be listed as having an autism disability, while others are fiercely against it. And the answer may change as a person grows from a child to an adult.

Who Decides? Is Autism a Disability?

But, let’s talk about it. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a disability as a “complex phenomenon, reflecting the interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives.”

WHO says disabilities can be physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental, and they can be temporary or permanent. Using this definition, it’s easy to argue that autism can be considered a disability.

While autism is not a physical disability for most individuals (although for some it can be), it is considered a mental disability because it affects cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. The mental disease list can be varied and long, and again, it may depend on the severity and symptoms that an individual presents.

That’s because people with autism may have challenges with communicating, understanding social cues, and forming relationships with others. They may also have restricted and repetitive behaviors, such as intense interests in specific topics, rigid routines, and rituals.

Closer to home, in terms of disability classification, autism is considered a developmental disability in the United States.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the answer to “is autism a disability” is clear. The organization says autism is considered a disability as it substantially limits one’s major life activities such as communication and social interaction. 

This means that individuals with ASD experience limitations in three or more areas of life such as socialization, communication, self-care, learning, or mobility.

Pros and Cons of Autism as a Disability

Being on the autism spectrum doesn’t mean you have an intellectual disability, or are on the mental disease list, as some individuals with ASD have average or above-average intelligence levels rivaling being a genius, often called a savant. Is autism a disability? This is really a question that is based on the individual.

Additionally, various types of interventions and support are available for those on the spectrum to help them lead fulfilling lives.

For many of us on the spectrum, the difficulties we often have come from significant challenges in everyday life, such as in school, work, and social situations. That can sometimes lead to the question, “Is autism a learning disability?” As with most everything regarding being on the spectrum, it depends on the individual.

People with autism may require support and accommodations to help them succeed in these areas. And more and more adults are being tested for autism, with the belief that knowing is important for future happiness.

 For example, they may need specialized educational programs, assistive technology and even artificial intelligence support, or communication aids to help them communicate effectively.

Some individuals with autism may require accommodations in the workplace, such as flexible schedules or modified job duties, to ensure their success. 

Others need nothing at all, except for perhaps understanding and acceptance. Still others may mask (which can be hard overall on mental health) and try and fit in. 

What makes autism tough to determine exactly what it is … and isn’t … is that people with autism experience different levels of abilities (or disabilities, depending on your stance on the discussion). 

That is why the debate of how ASD is categorized, and answering the question, “Is autism is a learning disability?”  continues. (And, for the record, ASD is not a disease.) 

In answering whether autism is a disability is complex and divisive at times, not in terms of legalities, but as to whether individuals want to be seen as being classified differently. The question can also differ, depending on the individual, when exploring the topic of is autism a learning disability.

The severity of autism can vary widely, and some people may have mild or even exceptional abilities in certain areas.

Some individuals with autism may excel in math, science, or music, while others may have exceptional visual-spatial skills or attention to detail. that’s why questions asking is autism a learning disability can be so difficult to answer.

LEARN MORE: Think You Know Neurodivergence? Debunking These 25 Popular Myths

Is Autism A Learning Disability? Determining if ASD is Disabling or Part of a Mental Disease List

In my own experience, autism has held me back in some ways in the journey of my life in areas such as shyness and social awkwardness.

When I was younger I was just too shy to talk to people, and when I did I had to force myself to so I could make new friends. It was a struggle and I sure wish it just came naturally to me, as I always had to figure out what was the best way to talk to people.

My process was trying through trial and error, by trying new things and seeing what worked and what didn’t. This led to some awkward situations but I’m glad I did it because I had to figure it out some way.

I encourage everybody with autism to do this because it really helps to get out of your comfort zone and meet some great people!

Shyness will really hold you back in life because meeting new people can be a great way to get new opportunities for romantic relationships, your career, and just for fun. I wish I conquered that emotion and pushed myself when I was younger so I could learn from my mistakes and meet new people!

It is also worth noting that not all people with autism identify as having a disability. Many people with autism embrace their neurodiversity and see it as a part of their identity and strength rather than a limitation.

They may view their condition as a unique way of experiencing the world and don’t see themselves as needing to be “fixed” or cured. If asked, is autism a disability or is autism a learning disability, individuals who this mindset typically say no. 

Many times, the perspective may differ whether it is from a parent or caregiver and there are advantages from a financial or opportunity level of support, vs. an adult with low support needs who is trying to avoid drawing attention to the disorder. 

There are also disagreements among experts, caretakers, and individuals themselves as to whether autism should be on the mental disease list. 

Disabilities and Legal Protections

The question, “Is autism a disability?”, is not just an academic one. It has real-world implications for individuals with autism and their families.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides legal protections for people with disabilities, including autism.

These protections include the right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace, public accommodations, and transportation, among other things.

The question of is autism is a learning disability also has important implications for research and funding. If autism is considered a disability, then it may be eligible for more research funding and resources to support individuals with autism and their families.

Ultimately, the question of is autism is a disability is a complex and often a personal one.

While autism can be considered a disability under global and American definitions, not all individuals with autism identify as having a disability. 

Also, the severity of autism can vary widely.

Regardless of how autism spectrum disorder is defined, it is clear that it can have an impact on individuals who have it and their families. The challenges associated with autism can be lifelong and can affect many aspects of an individual’s life.

LEARN MORE: On the Autism Spectrum – Top 25 Hurdles Individuals Face Daily

Is Autism a Disability, and What Makes it So?

Many individuals (not all, of course)  with autism may have difficulty with independent living, social relationships, and employment. They may require ongoing support and services to help them manage their symptoms and achieve their goals.

Autism can affect not just the individual with the condition, but also their family members and caregivers.

Is autism is a disability? The question can come with determining financial and educational barriers or opportunities.Caring for someone with autism can be challenging and time-consuming, and can require significant financial resources. Families may also face stigma and discrimination due to their association with autism.

Research has shown that early intervention and support can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with autism.

For example, behavioral interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are effective in improving social communication, language, and adaptive behavior in young children with autism, although some in the community are against these therapies for various reasons.

In addition, there is a growing movement and emphasis to promote neurodiversity and acceptance of people with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

This focus seeks to celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with autism, rather than focusing solely on their deficits and challenges.

As part of this effort, there is a push to expand accommodations and support for individuals with autism in education, employment, and other areas.

Is autism a disability or is autism a learning disability discussion then is shifted from whether it is one to how society can better appreciate and accept the difference.

For example, some employers are implementing “neurodiversity hiring initiatives” to actively recruit and support individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions in the workplace.

I’ve participated in some of those initiatives and by doing so, have received some helpful job training.

(However, I’ll say it again and often:  If Dell, IBM, AI-based companies, or others are looking to hire a young adult with a hyperfocus on information technology and especially artificial intelligence, I could be your guy! Contact me!).

Autism can be a struggle but pretty much everyone has their struggles so it’s normal for you to be frustrated.

My advice if you’re a person on the spectrum is to keep focused on overcoming the challenges.

Whether or not you want to declare yourself as having autism spectrum disorder is up to you. But, so is making yourself the very best you can be, so keep motivated and inspired and you can rise above any challenge!

Additional Challenges Individuals with Autism Face

Learn more about other issues that autistics face:

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Connor McClure

I'm a young adult navigating life with autism. By sharing my experiences and views, I hope to create a better awareness, understanding, and compassion for those on the spectrum. Let's connect!
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