Reconciling these two perspectives requires moving away from an 'either/or' mindset. Instead, we must adopt a holistic framework where clinical support and social equity coexist. We cannot ignore biological realities; medication, physical therapy, and surgical interventions often provide tangible relief from pain or functional limitations. Denying these tools under the guise of social activism can actually strip individuals of their autonomy and physical comfort.
The friction arises when a diagnosis becomes a person's entire identity. To prevent this, practitioners should treat the medical condition as one factor among many, rather than a fundamental flaw in the individual. Clinical conversations should focus on functional goals—like walking more easily or managing sensory overload—rather than just