It's time to ditch the disease model in psych
Hearing that one's distress is an “illness” can be a relief because it removes confusion and self criticism. But, it instills a resignation that can block change and growth. Instead of learning to process our issues, we’re told to suppress and “manage” a supposedly unchangeable situation. Because modern psychiatry sees autism as an “illness,” our progress and growth in learning how to use our systems as designed is often hamstrung by our receipt of the wrong messaging.
Because autism is seen as a disorder under the medical model, medication and ABA are often the first “treatments” given to the newly diagnosed. To be sure, medication and behavioural management can be helpful in a crisis, but they just mask the real issues. When used over the long term, this is unhealthy.
Despite psychiatry and Big Pharma’s relentless PR campaigns to sell the public on the disease model of mental health, life’s problems aren't “illnesses,” they're unprocessed mental programs - better put, it’s you learning how to properly operate your autistic system for the first time. The disease model prevents us from processing these programs by framing our problem as a static condition. Rather, you need training wheels for your system. Then, you need to slowly and safely learn how to operate that amazing system you’ve been given. After all, you can’t just go from Karting to F1 directly. You need lots of practice, coaching, and time behind the wheel.
But once we realize that our depression, anxiety, etc. aren’t “chemical imbalances” but rather natural ad meaningful processes that can be changed, improved upon, and even perfected, we often respond in anger. We reject the simple explanation - that we simply don’t know how to operate our systems as designed - and accept the wild, unscientific explanation - that somehow our system has gone haywire. We seek the simplistic, yet incorrect explanation and turn to pills to numb our pain. We’re so desperate for a “cure” that we’re fueling Big Pharma’s record profits. Sadly, we’re also setting records for deaths by OD.
In physical medicine, promising new treatments are met with hope and excitement. In psych, however, the doctors tend to be cynical and derisive toward such new methods. This is because they’ve convinced us to give up on the possibility of transforming ourselves, and to settle for “symptom-free” living instead. The idea is that if one has never experienced change or growth, it’s just not possible.
Cynicism gets reframed as realism.
Don’t be duped by the falsehood that your problems are unchangeable (even if that’s been the experience up to now).
Believe in the power of transformation. Believe that you can transform your situation as you grow into your autistic system.
Of course, we need the proper tools and teachers to make this happen. That’s why the neurodivergent community exists. That’s why I’m here. Let me know how I can help you in the comments below.
Disclaimer: never stop meds without doctor supervision. I may be a doctor, but I’m not that kind of doctor, nor am I your doctor. Make good choices. :)
— December 16, 2023 Note —
Some of the materials herein have made it into my book, No Place for Autism? It was released in February 2023 from Lived Places Publishing and is available at Amazon and other major book retailers worldwide.