Remember when scientists were looking for “cures” for homosexuality? Actually, homosexual people are still being subjected to “conversion therapy”. Suicide rates are still higher among non heterosexual people - not because their sexuality is harming them, but because of bigotry and discrimination.
In a similar way, the entire rationale of this research is that neurotypical people represent an ideal, and that by making neurodivergent people more like them, the world would be a better place. But neurodiversity is part of human evolution (just like homosexuality) and therefore it’s reasonable to assume it serves a good purpose. Autistic people have many strengths. Meanwhile, neurotypicals have many cognitive and behavioural weaknesses.
Neurotypical people are often obsessed by trivia. They are often dishonest and manipulative. They play “mind games” and love drama. Their behaviour is often illogical, and driven by ego. Politics is dominated by neurotypical people, and look at the state of the world. Meanwhile, many of the innovations that you all take for granted, were developed and are maintained by autistic people.
Maybe instead of trying to extinguish the autistic traits (such as perfectly harmless stimming, lack of eye contact and lack of interest in trivia), neurotypicals could try to be a bit more open minded.
Stop demonising us, and it’s a safe bet that the depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviours we suffer from, will go away. Stop treating us as though we are a problem to be solved, and address your own deficits. There’s no shortage.