Medical and Social Models of Disability
I recently saw a TikTok video of an autistic person mocking the notion that autism is a disability, they were addressing a lot of autistic traits that allistic people and neurotypical people view as being a deficit, but that autistic people see as our strengths, and I was conflicted about the messaging of the video. I responded saying “Yes to not viewing everything autistics do differently as a deficit, no to the further stigmatization of disability in the autistic community. Autism is a disability, and that’s okay.”
ID: a wheelchair accessibility symbol hanging from the ceiling. photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash
This tension boils down to different ways of viewing a disability. The medical model of disability, and the social model of disability. The medical model of disability views disabilities as something that is inherently wrong with the individual, a problem that needs to be fixed or cured. It focuses on the individual's medical diagnosis and tries to treat the symptoms of the disability, often with medication or therapy. In contrast, the social model of disability recognizes that disabilities are caused by societal barriers and attitudes, and focuses on removing those barriers so that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in society.
As an autistic person, I have often found the social model of disability to be much more empowering and liberating than the medical model. The social model has allowed me to see my autism not as a problem to be fixed, but as a natural variation of human experience that comes with its own unique strengths and challenges. It has allowed me to embrace my autistic identity and find community with other autistic people.
As empowering as the social model can be it has unfortunately been used to promote ableist ideologies within the autistic community. In a term that’s been dubbed “aspie supremacy” the social model is often used, like in the video I mentioned above, to deny the medically disabling aspects of autism and create a hierarchy of “good” autistics, shunning and silencing those with higher support needs. The social model should not be used to deny or ignore the actual disabilities that come with autism. Many autistic people, myself included, struggle with sensory processing issues, executive functioning challenges, and other difficulties that can significantly impact our daily lives. These disabilities are real and should not be dismissed or stigmatized.
This “aspie supremacy” mindset is not only harmful but also inaccurate. Autism is a disability, and many autistic people require support and accommodations to live fulfilling lives, and that’s okay! There is nothing wrong or shameful about being disabled. Using the social model to deny or stigmatize disability only serves to further marginalize those who already face significant barriers and discrimination.
What we need is to find a middle ground between the medical model and the social model, recognizing that both models of disability are not mutually exclusive. They can and should work together to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their full potential. The medical model can provide important diagnostic and medical interventions, while the social model can focus on removing barriers and promoting inclusion and accessibility.
As an autistic person, I strongly believe in the power of the social model of disability to promote inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment. However, it's important to remember that disability is not something to be denied or stigmatized, and that the social model should work in tandem with the medical model to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals and living fulfilling lives.