Subject: Concerns Regarding Publication on “Reversing” Autism

Dear Dr. D’Adamo,

cdadamo@som.umaryland.edu

cc: Editorial office of the Journal of Personalized Medicine (J. Pers. Med.),

jpm@mdpi.com

I am writing to express my concerns regarding your recent article published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine (https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/14/6/641), which discusses the concept of “reversing” autism.

As an Autistic professional, I find the framing of autism as something to be “reversed” not only scientifically questionable but also potentially harmful. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes an individual’s identity and experience of the world, and the idea of “reversing” it oversimplifies the complexity of the condition.

Such language risks perpetuating stigma, reinforcing harmful stereotypes, and undermining the progress made by the neurodiversity movement in fostering acceptance and understanding of autistic individuals. Many in the autistic community advocate for support, acceptance, and accommodations rather than “cures” or “reversals,” which can imply that their existence is fundamentally flawed.

I urge you to consider the broader implications of this research and its framing. While I understand that scientific exploration is important, it is equally critical to ensure that such work does not inadvertently harm the communities it seeks to address.

Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. I hope you will reflect on the impact of this publication and consider engaging with autistic voices to better understand the perspectives of the community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Henny Kupferstein

Autistic autism researcher

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/14/6/641