Commercialization of Autism
Shruti Gupta
February 15, 2022 
Commercialization is a natural mechanism that ensues as soon as there is a deficit and demand created for any service or product.
With autism spectrum disorder on the alarming rise, there have been multiple corporate and private setups that have taken up the cause of "treating" Autism. A number of them use beautiful advertisements loaded with emotion and promise to "uproot" autism from its roots. Magical before and after transformations are being promised through therapies and functional medicines. Often parents with children on the spectrum are devoid of hope and reality isn't so promising to believe.
So, in the land of saam-daam- dand- bhed we embark on the journey of becoming puppets by choice to these marketing gimmicks. We feel we want to do right by our children - and explore all the possibilities. Anyone who gives us hope is like a "baba" who promises your safe entry to paradise in the afterlife.
The real issue isn't us wanting to try everything; but us wanting to try everything in 'ignorance'. The problem is that the goal for "transformation" is unreasonable, unwarranted and impossible as per today's medical research.
Autism is differently coded brains - that can be cracked with effort and training to suit societal expectations. But if you feel like you can undo the whole neuronal architecture of your child , you may be experiencing delusional hope.
Hope is all we have in life but hope should always be mindfully, rightfully and calculated hope.
These commercialization gimmicks squeeze our already burdened pockets and leave us feeling more depressed in our lives. Magical diet plans, Ayurveda and homeopathic potions that promise makeovers are worth your trial and time only if you change your mindset towards the expected outcomes and make informed decisions.
Therapies are known to make a consistent difference in the child's developmental scale but they're not the rosy pathway you want to choose. This is the pathway that will have pain , setbacks and will be slow to traverse but in the long run this is what will take your child forward.
Commercialization of therapies like ABA , Speech therapy and occupational therapy are also an important challenge. Money is the basis for any professional and that is absolutely justified.
When you pay someone , they do their job properly and they also have homes to run . However, professionalism should come with the right mix of empathy and controlled expectations on remuneration.
There are no standards controlling therapists salary expectations. It has become like a therapy mafia that follows their own rules and regulations. They understand our long term dependence on them and capitalize on this very smartly. Expecting free sessions is also criminal but being made to pay an atrocious fee structure is also equally unfair.
The void for autism services is still present while parents struggle to get appointments and contacts. The important takeaway point is that you stay connected with your tribe- know the right people and connect with the right people.
Don't fall prey to gimmicks like "autism makeovers". As soon as someone promises you the same- you know it's your red flag to exit!
Don't malign all therapists because of a few bad experiences. Try to stick to the good ones and hold on to therapies as the mainstay of Autism management . Believe in your child and believe in the power of positive reaffirmation that " you can do this".
In the future, we may have to answer the questions that haunt us today- the dream to see our children live happy , hassle free and expressive lives. Hope and pray for that miracle but stay focused on managing your hope as per today's best available management options.
About Author
Shruti Gupta
Dr Shruti Gupta is a Consultant Radiologist but has a keen interest in advocating the cause of Autism and all the multiple aspects of special needs parenting through the power of the pen. She is associated with Autism Parents Forum as an Activist.