Beyond Bias: The Systematic Disregard of Autistic Individuals and Its Dire Consequences

Autistic individuals often face systemic discrimination and mistreatment, far beyond mere bias. This mistreatment spans various aspects of society, from law enforcement and legal systems to education and everyday interactions. Such pervasive disregard not only undermines the dignity and rights of autistic people but also poses severe consequences for their safety and well-being. This article explores the widespread mistreatment of autistic individuals, the roots of this issue, and the urgent need for societal change.

Irregular Connectivity and Communication Challenges

Autistic individuals have irregular neural connectivity, leading to difficulties in processing information, especially when it is ambiguous or implied. The world communicates not only verbally but also through written and non-verbal cues that can be unclear and confusing for autistic individuals. This irregular connectivity can result in missed steps, confusion, fear, and anger. When society expects autistic individuals to navigate this ambiguous communication effortlessly, it unfairly places the blame on them when they struggle.

The Reality of Systemic Disregard

Law Enforcement

• Fear of the Unknowns: For autistic individuals, the fear of unknowns can be overwhelming. When faced with high-stress situations, such as interactions with law enforcement, this fear is magnified. Autistic people may struggle to understand and respond to rapidly shouted instructions, leading to dangerous misunderstandings.
• Example: In high-pressure scenarios, such as a police officer demanding compliance with shouted commands, an autistic individual may not be able to process the instructions quickly enough. This can lead to perceived non-compliance or resistance.
• Consequence: Such misunderstandings can result in unnecessary use of force, injuries, or even fatalities. In police interview rooms, the inability to understand the nuanced questioning can lead to false confessions or the dismissal of genuine concerns.

Legal Systems

• Communication Barriers: Autistic individuals often face significant communication challenges, which are frequently misunderstood by legal professionals. This misunderstanding can lead to a lack of proper legal representation and support.
• Example: An autistic person seeking legal help may struggle with traditional communication methods, resulting in their concerns being ignored or misunderstood by lawyers.
• Consequence: This can lead to unjust legal outcomes, prolonged distress, and a

lack of recourse for autistic individuals facing legal issues.

Healthcare and Services

• Sensory Sensitivities: Autistic individuals often have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can make everyday tasks and interactions challenging. When these sensitivities are not understood or accommodated, it leads to significant distress and neglect.
• Example: In healthcare or service settings, an autistic person may need specific accommodations for sensory sensitivities. Without understanding and support, their needs are often dismissed, leading to inadequate care.
• Consequence: This neglect can result in deteriorating health and well-being, as well as a lack of trust in essential services.

Education

• Implied Instructions: Autistic students often struggle with implied instructions and expectations, leading to misunderstandings and unfair academic penalties. Educators may not recognize the need for explicit, clear instructions.
• Example: Autistic students may answer questions in a way that reflects their unique thinking patterns, which can be misinterpreted by teachers.
• Consequence: This results in lower grades, academic failure, and a lack of opportunities for further education and career development.

The Role of Early Intervention and ABA

Early intervention programs and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have been widely promoted with the intention of helping autistic individuals. However, these programs often contribute to the problem by perpetuating harmful biases and teaching autistic individuals that their natural behaviors are wrong.

• Misguided Intentions: While early intervention aimed to support autistic children, it often focuses on making them conform to non-autistic norms, leading to internalized shame and a lack of self-acceptance.
• Harmful Messaging: Early intervention campaigns have driven home the message that autism is a tragedy, something to be feared and mourned. Media portrayals often show families devastated by an autism diagnosis, reinforcing the idea that autism is inherently negative.
• Corporate Endorsement: Large corporations have supported and perpetuated these narratives, spreading the message that autism is something to be feared and urgently addressed. This has led to a widespread societal belief that autistic individuals are fundamentally flawed or broken.
• Consequence: These approaches can lead to long-term psychological harm, making it harder for autistic individuals to advocate for themselves and navigate societal systems. The narrative that autistic kids are problematic and do “weird” things contributes to stigma and exclusion.

The Urgent Need for Change

The systematic disregard of autistic individuals is not just a matter of bias; it is a violation of human rights. If autistic people cannot rely on essential services like law enforcement, legal aid, education, and healthcare, their safety and well-being are in jeopardy. This widespread mistreatment must be addressed to prevent further harm and ensure that autistic individuals can live with dignity and respect.

Social Genocide Through Systemic Discrimination

Social genocide, or sociocide, involves the systematic destruction of a group’s social structures, identity, and way of life through systemic discrimination. For the autistic community, this form of genocide manifests in the pervasive efforts to “cure” or eliminate autism rather than understanding and supporting autistic individuals. Autistic people, though not a race, represent a unique neurotype within the human species. Society often focuses on the comorbidities and perceived quality-of-life issues associated with autism, driving research and interventions aimed at eradicating autism rather than improving the lives of autistic individuals. This approach denies autistic people the opportunity to live fulfilling lives and to be accepted as they are. It is hypocritical that in an age of cancel culture, which claims to advocate for justice and equality, society simultaneously contributes to the social genocide of the autistic community by promoting stereotypes, exclusion, and harmful “cures.” This contradiction underscores the urgent need to shift the focus from elimination to acceptance and support, recognizing autistic individuals as valuable members of society who deserve to thrive.

Conclusion

Autistic individuals are valuable members of society who contribute in many ways, yet they face systemic mistreatment that undermines their humanity. It is crucial to recognize and address this issue, demanding change from all societal sectors. By raising awareness and advocating for autistic rights, we can work towards a society where autistic individuals are treated with the respect and understanding they deserve. The future of autistic children depends on our commitment to this change.