If there were a legit cure for autism, would you take it?

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I'm in a debate with a supporter of the infamous Autism Speaks. Personally, no, if there were a cure, I wouldn't, because it makes up so much of who I am, bad and good alike. I also hate thinking about it as if it were a disease that needs to be cured. I wanted to know what you guys think.

Most likely, because it's caused so much depression, despair, loneliness, and suicidal urges in my life. Yeah, I have a few talents because of it, but they aren't worth all the drawbacks.

Never. It's who I am. You don't ever hear normal people wanting a cure for normality or for a personality trait (as an example), so why would I want a cure because my neurology is different? The idea of a cure only benefits those who think we need to be fixed because of their idiotic perception and thoughts about us supposedly being "broken".

Hell no I wouldn't, its part of me, it all defines who I am, if I didn't have it I'd be just like every other person out there

Not a chance, and I flat out oppose the development of one, because you can be sure the authorities would not make it "voluntary" by any definition of voluntary that I understand.

My life has been and continues to be difficult, but not because I'm an Aspie, but because of how neurotypical society responds to Aspies. Taking a "cure" for something that isn't a disease is morally abhorrent, and giving in to bullying.

Not even if they made it mandatory. Not even if it was the law to take it. Not even if I was sentenced to prison if I didn't take it. Not even if they would give me the death penalty if I didn't take it. Not even if they threatened to kill me on the spot if I didn't take it.

Everyone has a choice. They shouldn't take that kind of freedom away. I have a feeling they will someday.

There is no poll option for "It Depends".

Does the "cure" involve execution, sterilization, lobotomy, shock therapy, or drugs with severe side effects?

I would. It is an impediment to the things I would like to do with my life, and I don't think anything of value would be lost. That said, this:

Even if the cure made me an uber neurotypical the change would probably be too much at my age.

Most importantly as an older Autistic I have a responsibility to my younger autistic relatives and the next generation of autistics. The last thing I want to do is send a message that autism is so bad or the fight for Autism acceptence is so hopeless that I need to give up.

There is a really great sci-fi book out there on this very topic--that a "cure" for autism is found in the near future and the autistic protagonist decides, because of pressure from his workplace, to try it. It's a really interesting "what-if" kind of story, well written and thought provoking. I thought the protagonist was well represented and very relatable, considering (as far as I know) the author is not autistic herself. It's called "The Speed of Dark" by Elizabeth Moon.

^ the author likely isn't, but her son is.

In truth, these threads tend to make me kind of bitter and depressed. Not because of the question; because of the answers people give. They just make me feel sad for others, and as for me? I feel very much alone.

There isn't a choice saying "I don't know"? Because that's what I'd pick. Really, I'd want to cure certain parts of it, such as my inability to read minds or my trouble with understanding body language, as well as my utter lack of executive function, but I'd want to keep my ability to memorize tons of random facts and focus intensely on my special interests.