
The provided text is an excerpt from an article titled "Why Autism Can’t Be “Reversed” — And What We Should Really Focus On" written by Dr. David P. Ruttenberg, a neuroscientist and AI-ethics specialist. The central argument of the piece is that autism is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease or defect, and therefore cannot be "cured" or "reversed." Dr. Ruttenberg debunks the myth of reversal, arguing that attempts to fix autistic individuals often result in harmful masking, which leads to negative mental health outcomes. Instead of trying to change autistic people, the author advocates for societal transformation through inclusion, respect, and acceptance, citing several scientific studies and advocacy organizations to support this neurodiversity perspective. The source emphasizes that true progress comes from creating supportive environments and empowering autistic voices rather than pursuing pseudoscientific "cures."