At Superyou Therapy, we were deeply saddened to hear recent public comments about autism that once again suggested blame, shame, and outdated notions of “cause.” These kinds of announcements are not only inaccurate, they are harmful—undermining the work so many families, advocates, and professionals have done to build understanding and acceptance.
What Autism Is Not
Autism is not caused by mothers, vaccines, parenting, or any single event. Coincidence does not equal causation. Decades of research confirm that there is no one “cause” of autism, and framing it as something to be fixed or eliminated is not only misleading—it is dangerous.
Autism is not a disease. It is not a tragedy. And it is not a burden that families must carry.
What Autism Is
Autism is a neurotype: a natural variation in the way the brain works, processes information, and experiences the world. Autistic people are not “broken versions” of neurotypical people—they are whole, complete, and valuable individuals who think, feel, and create in unique ways.
Autism sits under the broader umbrella of neurodivergence, which includes ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other variations in brain wiring. Neurodivergence is simply part of human diversity—just like differences in culture, language, or physical ability.
Why Autistic Brains Matter
Far from being something society should fear or erase, autistic brains have been behind some of humanity’s most incredible progress. Many great minds throughout history are thought to have been autistic, including Albert Einstein, who redefined our understanding of physics, and Alan Turing, whose unique way of thinking helped crack the Enigma code and laid the foundation for modern computing.
Without neurodivergent thinkers, our world would be far less innovative, less creative, and less compassionate.
The Harm of Blame and Stigma
When autism is framed as something to “fix” or blame parents for, it reopens old wounds for many families. Parents—particularly mothers—have carried unjust blame for decades, and these narratives reinforce guilt and shame where there should be pride and acceptance.
More importantly, these attitudes tell autistic people that they are somehow “wrong” or “less than,” when in reality their way of being is simply different. These messages do lasting damage to self-esteem, wellbeing, and belonging.
Our Commitment at Superyou Therapy
For us, autism is not a problem to be solved—it is a part of human diversity to be celebrated. We are committed to:
- Strengths-based support: focusing on what autistic people can do, not what they can’t.
- Individualised therapy: working alongside families to create meaningful, affirming supports.
- Community education: challenging myths and helping society better understand and embrace neurodiversity.
- Celebrating difference: recognising that autistic perspectives enrich our workplaces, communities, and lives.
Moving Forward Together
Autism is not something to fear. It is not something to blame. It is simply one of the many ways of being human. At Superyou Therapy, we will continue to amplify neurodivergent voices, celebrate autistic strengths, and stand firmly against any narrative that seeks to shame or silence.
The real tragedy is not autism—it is stigma, misinformation, and the harm of outdated thinking. Together, we can do better.
Learn More
For those wanting to deepen their understanding, here are some excellent resources:
- Autism CRC – Australia’s national research organisation for autism, providing evidence-based resources and insights.
- Reframing Autism – Autistic-led organisation focused on acceptance, identity, and pride.
- The Neurodiversity Hub – Resources supporting neurodiverse individuals in education and employment.
- Spectra Blog (ASAN) – The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, led by and for autistic people.