Autism Paradigms: Neurodiversity vs. Pathology Explained

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2021/12/23 - Updated: 2025/09/22
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Autism Information - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article provides a comparative overview of two prevailing frameworks for understanding autism: the neurodiversity paradigm and the pathology paradigm. The neurodiversity paradigm views autism as a natural variation in human neurology, emphasizing the importance of accommodating and supporting autistic individuals rather than seeking to cure them. Advocates of this perspective argue that efforts to eliminate autism are akin to outdated attempts to "cure" left-handedness, and they focus on promoting acceptance and inclusion. Conversely, the pathology paradigm treats autism as a disorder characterized by impairments that require medical intervention. Proponents of this view support research aimed at understanding the causes of autism and developing treatments to mitigate its effects. The article is informative and useful for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and the broader community, as it elucidates the philosophical underpinnings of different approaches to autism, thereby informing debates on policy, education, and healthcare - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Outline of Neurodiversity Paradigm and Pathology Paradigm

The word paradigm was originally derived from both Greek and Latin languages and has been used since the 15th century. In Greek, 'para' meaning 'beside' and 'deiknynai' meaning 'to display or show' were combined to form 'paradeiknyai', which possessed the literal meaning 'to display side by side'. The Latin word 'paradigma' was used to refer to 'a model or pattern', which is still one of the formal meanings of the word paradigm today - (macmillandictionaryblog.com/paradigm)

Main Content

Paradigms in Psychology

Paradigms in psychology are defined as a set of assumptions, attitudes, concepts, values, procedures, and techniques that constitutes a generally accepted theoretical framework within, or a general perspective of, a discipline - (dictionary.apa.org/paradigm)

Autism Neurodiversity Paradigm

The neurodiversity paradigm is a view of autism as a different way of being rather than as a disease or disorder that must be cured. Autistic people are considered to have neurocognitive differences which give them distinct strengths and weaknesses, and are capable of succeeding when appropriately accommodated and supported. The belief is that efforts to eliminate autism should not be compared, for example, to curing cancer but instead to the antiquated notion of curing left-handedness.

There is no leader of the neurodiversity movement and little academic research has been conducted on it as a social phenomenon. As such, proponents of the neurodiversity paradigm have heterogenous beliefs, but are consistent in the view that autism cannot be separated from an autistic person. Advocacy efforts may include opposition to therapies that aim to make children "indistinguishable from their peers," accommodations in schools and work environments, and lobbying for the inclusion of autistic people when making decisions that affect them.

Neurodiversity advocates are opposed to medical research for a cure, believing that it will lead to eugenics, and instead support research that helps autistic people thrive as they are. For example, NeuroTribes author Steve Silberman noted a lack of research in regards to seizure-controlling drugs and autistic brains; that sensory differences in autistic people were unheard of until Temple Grandin spoke about her experiences; and that only a small percentage of research funding goes towards the needs of autistic adults. Advocacy groups that focus primarily on acceptance and accommodation include:

• Autism National Committee
• Autism Network International
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network

Autism Pathology Paradigm

The pathology paradigm is the traditional view of autism through a biomedical lens, in which it is seen as a disorder characterized by various impairments, mainly in communication and social interaction. Those taking this perspective believe that autism is generally a kind of harmful dysfunction. Ways of functioning which diverge from a typical brain are "incorrect" or "unhealthy" and must therefore be treated or cured. The atypical behaviors of autistic individuals are considered a detriment to social and professional success and should therefore be reduced or eliminated through therapy.

Advocates with this view include both a small but significant minority of autistic adults and large majority of parents of autistic children, but contain a higher percentage of parents when compared to those adopting the neurodiversity paradigm. These advocates believe that medical research is necessary to address the "autism epidemic", reduce suffering, and provide the best outcomes for autistic individuals. In addition to etiological research, other areas of focus may include biology, diagnosis, and treatment, including medication, behavioral and psychological interventions, and the treatment of co-existing medical conditions. Advocacy groups that focus primarily on medical research include:

• Autism Speaks
• Cure Autism Now
• Former Autism Research Institute
• National Alliance for Autism Research
• Autism Coalition for Research and Education
• The Autism Science Foundation - and its predecessor organizations

In Summary: Neurodiversity Paradigm vs. Pathology Paradigm Comparison

Pathology Paradigm

• The pathology paradigm is the dominant historical framework for understanding neurological and cognitive differences.
• It assumes there is a narrow, statistically "normal" range of brain function and behavior, with deviations from this norm seen as deficits, disorders, or pathologies.
• This paradigm divides people into "normal" and "other than normal," implicitly privileging the former as superior and desirable.
• The focus is on identifying, treating, or "fixing" what is perceived as wrong with individuals who do not fit the norm.
• Language within this paradigm often frames neurodivergence as something a person "has" or "suffers from," reinforcing the idea of intrinsic problems or illness.

Neurodiversity Paradigm

• The neurodiversity paradigm views neurological differences (such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia) as natural, valuable forms of human diversity, comparable to ethnic, gender, or sexual diversity.
• It rejects the notion of a single "normal" brain or mind, recognizing that human neurocognitive variation is expected and meaningful.
• Instead of asking how to "fix" neurodivergent people, it asks how society can better accommodate, include, and empower them.
• The paradigm recognizes the oppression and marginalization faced by neurominorities as a social justice issue, akin to racism or heterosexism.
• Language shifts to identity-first expressions (e.g., "autistic person"), treating neurodivergence as an identity rather than a pathology.

Key Differences

The pathology paradigm and the neurodiversity paradigm represent fundamentally incompatible ways of understanding neurological differences. The former frames difference as deficit, while the latter frames it as diversity, calling for a shift in language, policy, and societal attitudes.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.