Why We Need to Stop Asking “What Causes Autism?”
Rejecting Outdated Myths and Harmful Narratives About Neurodivergence
This week, a wave of clickbait headlines hit the internet, with non-scientists making bold, sweeping claims about the so-called "cause" of autism. As expected, the scientific community (rightly) clapped back with data, peer-reviewed research, and well-earned frustration. But in all the noise, something critical was missing:
No one stopped to question the premise.
Why are we still acting like autism is a disease that needs a root cause?
Why are we still entertaining the idea that neurodivergence is something to prevent, fix, or fight?
Let’s talk about why that question - what causes autism? - is the wrong one entirely.
Autism Isn't a Problem to Be Solved
When we frame autism as something with a “cause,” we maitain the implication that it’s a defect. An error. A deviation from what’s “normal.” But that framing is flawed from the start.
Autism is not an illness.
It’s not a virus, not a disorder to be eliminated, and definitely not the result of Tylenol, vaccines, or whatever the next scapegoat they pick that starts making the rounds online.
Autism is a neurotype - a natural and valid variation in how brains process information, communicate, and connect with the world. Pathologising it does nothing but fuel stigma and waste resources that could be better spent on support, access, and understanding.
Why the "Autism Epidemic" Isn’t Real
One of the go-to arguments for conspiracy theories around autism is the rise in diagnosis. “There’s more of it now than ever!” people shout.
Let’s bring in some logic here.
Occam’s Razor says: the simplest explanation is usually the right one. And the simplest explanation for the increase in autism diagnosis?
We’re just better at recognising it.
Language has evolved. Assessment tools have sharpened. And society has (slowly, sometimes painfully) become more aware of neurodiversity. Of course diagnosis rates are rising - because people are finally being seen.
Think of it like this: the stars were always there, twinkling away whether we noticed them or not. The sky hasn’t suddenly filled with more stars. We just have a better telescope.
Neurodivergent people have always been here - quirky, brilliant, misunderstood, emotionally intense, and wired differently. We’re not exploding in number. We’re finally being counted
The Real Image Problem
During a recent training on coaching neurodivergent clients, someone remarked that ADHD has a bit of a branding issue — attention and hyperactivity are in the name, but they barely scratch the surface of what ADHD actually is.
That got me thinking: if ADHD has an image problem, what does autism have?
We don’t talk enough about the fact that autistic people are too often defined by other people’s discomfort. Or that the default narrative about autism is still built around deficits, burdens, and tragedy.
From where I’m sitting?
There are worse things to be than autistic.
You could be uncaring.
You could be entitled.
You could be wilfully ignorant.
You could be a fragile, egomaniacal narcissist shouting misinformation on the internet and calling it truth.
Let's Change the Conversation
Autistic people don’t need to be “cured.”
They need understanding, access, and environments that don’t constantly punish them for being who they are.
So here’s the invitation:
Reject the premise.
Stop asking what causes autism, and start asking:
How can we make the world more accessible for neurodivergent people?
What support do autistic individuals and families actually need?
How can we challenge the narratives that do more harm than good?
Autism doesn’t need an antidote.
And it certainly doesn’t need to be “prevented”.
It needs a shift in how we see it, the assumptions we make, the bias we hold - and how we speak about it.
TL;DR: Let’s Recap
Asking what causes autism? is a flawed and damaging question.
Autism is a neurotype, not a disease.
Increases in diagnosis reflect awareness, not an epidemic.
Misinformation hurts — especially when it comes from non-experts.
The focus should be on inclusion, not elimination.
Mathew Keany
Counsellor & AAT
Need a Place That Gets Neurodivergence?
Here at 12 Points, we don’t pathologise difference. We support it, celebrate it, and create space for it.
Whether you're looking for neuroaffirming therapy, clinical training, or resources for working with neurodivergent clients, we’re here for the real talk - no shame, no scare tactics, and 100% NO snake oil.
Because being different isn’t the problem.
Being misunderstood is.
To learn more please give us a call on 03 8799 3907 or complete the new client form to book a session today.