I’m sorry if I phrased my comment in a way that offends you. I did not intend it as such and wanted instead to offer such a more fluid view of autism. Not only the definition, like you say, but also how different facets affect each person with ASD to a different extent which also changes with circumstances and throughout life in general.

And if you can accept these different facets being more fluid, I’d propose that rather than curing autism (something I don’t believe in and would never champion), one might be able to moderate specific facets of ASD that people on the spectrum themselves find a hindrance by changing the microbiome. Say some kinds of stimuli-caused overwhelm. Similar to somebody changing their diet to limit hangriness or blood sugar drops.

Note that at no point am I suggesting somebody with ASD needs treatment, just that they might see some improvements in their well-being if they wanted.

Finally, I derailed my comment by mixing it with a well-intended comment about mindset. I mean no judgement w.r.t. a fixed mindset, just that I found it a hindrance myself and have been happier since I started working on changing it.

For example being able to write down some things I may have held as axiomatic in the past (e.g. ideals or standards of behavior) and being able to consider how they may not be so fixed and deciding to change them or ignore them entirely is very liberating.

Among other things it lets me view my identity as separate from my feelings and behaviors.

P.S. I don’t appreciate the ad hominem at the end of your comment. Even if I unintentionally offended you don’t think I deserve that.