From opposing perspectives comes a culture

Political and cultural beliefs regarding autism have divided the autism community into two factions. Both groups are prevalent on the Internet but clearly utilize the diversity of technology differently. The first group consists of those who believe autism is a mental disorder needing a cure and searching for the newest theories on how best to deal with autistic persons at home and in society. Countless research, support groups, and advocacy sites can be found in support of their ideals and values of eliminating neurodiversity.

The second group is made up of people who believe autism is a way of life and is the correct way of “being” in this world. Although their neurological wiring is different from non autistic people they believe they do not need “fixing.”  For this group technology is not only an ideal platform for resources and social change, but it is also an environment conducive to unifying people whose lives are affected by autism.  One of the many successes of social technology is that it has become the adaptive mechanism for people with similar communication styles, cognitive processes, and mannerisms. Through universally common behaviors, beliefs, and practices an autism culture has blossomed and people with varying degrees of autism are empowered by the freedoms of cyberspace.