Autism & Eugenics
Disclaimer: Any views, opinions and tips on this blog are personal and belong solely to myself (Kyra) and don’t represent the views of affiliated professionals and organisations. Additionally, I’m not a professional advisor regarding Autism and the content produced on this blog is solely from my own experiences.
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In 2021, the genetics study Spectrum 10K paused their research after some members of the Autistic community questioned the study’s aims and methods. Spectrum 10K is a research study created by University of Cambridge researchers to understand genetic and environmental factors contributing to Autism (National Autistic Society, 2021). Despite the backlash, the study was later resumed after the UK Ethics Board green-lighted the continuation of the research.
The primary concern of many researchers and the Autistic community was how DNA samples could be used in the future after the completion of the study, and how the aims of the research have underlying eugenics connotations. As a result, many are concerned that these findings can be used by geneticists to either propose a “cure” or prevent Autism via prenatal testing. This concern was later amplified after the rise of prenatal testing to decrease the number of Down Syndrome individuals in Europe (Spectrum, 2022).
This is not to say that gene therapy is bad, but rather that some researchers and others in authority use the therapy to their own advantage.
In today’s post, we will focus on the relationship between modern-day eugenics and the rising ableism in society. It’s believed that ableism is the root cause that reinforces the idea of eugenics in today’s society. This blog post is based on my research and experience, so please be mindful of the sources I’ve used in this blog post.
What is Eugenics?
Eugenics is the theory that the human population could be “improved” by selecting desirable characteristics deemed as desirable for society. In terms of this blog post, the selection of qualities is based on the idea of those viewed as superior and those viewed as inferior.
Many researchers focus on the cause of Autism rather than understanding Autism itself (Omeiza, 2024). As a result, we get many pieces of research that have underlying eugenics connotations that reinforce the idea that neurotypical people are more “superior” and neurodivergent people are “inferior.”
Eugenics and Ableism
According to the UN Human Rights Council (2020), genetic screening is used to prevent disease, but researchers are increasingly concerned about using the screening to “eliminate” qualities deemed undesirable. It was later noted that the potential reason behind this rising concern is due to the ableist attitudes and beliefs within society, that prevent social acceptance towards disabled people.
According to Ellie Middleton (2023) in her book Unmasked, “ableism is a form of discrimination against disabled people, based on the negative belief that disabled people are inferior or less capable than non-disabled people.’
It promotes the unequal treatment of people due to their actual or presumed disability. This implies the stigmatisation, marginalisation and exclusion of disabled people in all institutions - education system, healthcare and employment.
A key characteristic of ableism is the reinforcement of the stereotype that disabled people are “inferior” due to displaying characteristics that pose a risk either to capitalist expansion or the nurturing of future generations. For example, in the media, Autistic people are stereotyped as being “overly sensitive” or “disruptive” due to displaying behaviours that go against the norms of the neurotypical society, such as meltdowns and shutdowns. In reality, behaviours that are interpreted as “disruptive” such as hyperventilating or withdrawing are most likely signs that an Autistic individual is experiencing anxiety or becoming overstimulated in their environment. Unfortunately, many Autistic people are continually told that displaying their emotions is a sign of “weakness” and that your level of success is based on your ability to drive through the emotional pain (Bertagnoli, 2022).
A common manifestation of this rejection is participation in assimilation. This refers to consciously or subconsciously removing aspects of your Autistic qualities to be viewed as neurotypical to your peers. In hindsight, referencing ableism, the goal of assimilation is to be viewed as a “functional adult” in society (Embrace Autism, 2020).
Unfortunately, the reinforcement of these stereotypes leads to some researchers believing in the biological determination debate, which is the idea that our biology determines how well we’ll perform in society (Omeiza, 2024). For instance, it still viewed that “all” Autistic individuals have specific communication differences that deem them unfit for work life, such as speaking few or no words. But, even if Autistic individuals do have these qualities, it doesn’t eliminate their ability to be employed.
What Next?
What can be done today to challenge ableist views that stem from eugenics? Unfortunately, the root cause of many discriminations and stigmas against groups is the lack of understanding of the groups themselves. Many people today either refuse or forget to note that not everyone’s minds work the same way. As a society, it’s important to learn life from different perspectives other than your own. This allows you to discover the complexities of society and for every group to feel valued and celebrated in society. In summary, respect is the ultimate goal in this matter.
I’ve created a blog post that further looks into the complexities of ableism and you can view it here.
Further Information:
Kala Allen Omeiza - Autistic and Black
Ellie Middleton - Unmasked
Spectrum - Spectrum 10K Gets Green Light
Builtin - Ableist Attitudes: What They Are and Their Impact in the Workplace
Embrace Autism - Autism and Camouflaging