Autism Is Not A Disease: The Politics of Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is one of the most urgent political issue of our times. As the number of diagnoses of Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia rise, we are starting to understand that there is no such thing as a normal brain. But society is still organised around neuro-normalcy, and autism is treated as a social disease. Jodie Hare, diagnosed with autism at twenty-three, argues that it is time to redefine the politics of who we are. Today, neurodiversity is often discriminated against. Life expectancy is 36 years old, and cases of death by suicide are high. Sufferers are 30% more likely to suffer severe trauma in their lives. A 2020 study found that 66% of households in the US with autistic children experience material hardships such as difficulty affording food or healthcare. And in a time of austerity, social care is often insufficient and patchy. In the UK only 6% of neurodivergent pupils get the support to which they are entitled. Only 22% of autistic people in any kind of employment. What is to be done to promote a fairer, more neuro-inclusive society? Alongside a disablism justice campaign, Hare calls for the recognition of diversity as part of natural, biological variation, rather than sameness, and to commit to build a world where all can thrive equally. Hare also acknowledges that this works alongside struggles based on class, gender and race. This campaign therefore confronts the systems that continue to harm disabled people more widely, locating this harm along an axis of oppression that impacts all marginalised groups across society.