Should we try to “cure” autism? This week, Donald Trump claimed to have found a possible cause and a possible treatment for autism. Scientists say he has got it all wrong.
Trump blames painkiller for autism rise
Rates rising: There is no blood test or scan that can determine if a person has autism. Instead, a diagnosis is based on a doctor's observations. Comprehension quiz
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What is the best definition for the word “neurodivergence” as used in the text?
A: A medical intervention designed to cure autism.
B: A social disagreement about the causes of certain conditions.
C: A term for variations in how the human brain functions regarding things like learning, attention, and social interaction.
D: A specific symptom of autism related to repetitive behaviours.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “tout”?
A: To promote
B: To investigate.
C: To disprove.
D: To hide.
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According to the text, what is a likely reason for the increase in autism diagnoses?
A: A proven link between paracetamol and autism.
B: The success of new medical treatments.
C: A significant rise in the actual number of people with autism.
D: Greater awareness and reduced stigma leading to more people seeking a diagnosis.
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Why do many people with autism object to the idea of a “cure”?
A: They believe a cure would be too expensive.
B: They think only people with severe cases of autism should be treated.
C: They reject the idea that there is something “wrong” with them that needs to be “fixed”.
D: They are unaware that their condition causes any difficulties.
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Identify two unscientific claims about autism that, according to the article, have been promoted by Donald Trump or his administration.
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In your own words, summarise the different viewpoints presented in the article about finding a “cure” for autism.
Answers
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1. C 2. A 3. D 4. C 5. Any two of the following: that acetaminophen (paracetamol) taken by pregnant women might increase the risk of autism in children; that leucovorin (a vitamin) could be a potential treatment for autism; that vaccines cause autism. 6. The article explains that the idea of a "cure" is complicated. On one hand, people who care for a family member with severe (level 3) autism might be hopeful about a treatment that could help manage disruptive and difficult symptoms. On the other hand, many people with milder (level 1) autism are insulted by the idea of a "cure" because they don't see themselves as having something "wrong" that needs "fixing". They would prefer more social understanding and support rather than medical intervention.
1. C 2. A 3. D 4. C 5. Any two of the following: that acetaminophen (paracetamol) taken by pregnant women might increase the risk of autism in children; that leucovorin (a vitamin) could be a potential treatment for autism; that vaccines cause autism. 6. The article explains that the idea of a "cure" is complicated. On one hand, people who care for a family member with severe (level 3) autism might be hopeful about a treatment that could help manage disruptive and difficult symptoms. On the other hand, many people with milder (level 1) autism are insulted by the idea of a "cure" because they don't see themselves as having something "wrong" that needs "fixing". They would prefer more social understanding and support rather than medical intervention.
Glossary
Woodrow Wilson - The US president during World War One. Wilson was a visionary who dreamt of creating a peaceful world through international institutions like the League of Nations, forerunner to the UN.
PhD - An abbreviation for a Doctorate of Philosophy. Students study for several years and usually do their own extensive research to gain a PhD.
RFK Jr - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. An American politician and conspiracy theorist. He is currently the US secretary of health under Donald Trump and is known for promoting vaccine misinformation.
Autism - A condition characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 160 children has an autism disorder.
Active ingredient - The ingredient in a medicine or skincare product, for example, that makes the product work as intended.
Tylenol - The brand name in the USA for a drug known as acetaminophen in the USA or paracetamol in the UK.
Vaccines - A substance given to a person to stop a disease from making them ill in the future.
Epidemic - A widespread disease or infection.
Stigma - A mark of shame or disgrace that sets a person apart from others. In the 16th Century, it referred to a literal mark branded into the skin.
Stimuli - Things that provoke a reaction.
Neurodivergence - People who process information in a different way to others. Examples of neurodiversity include autism and ADHD.