Luiz Felipe Pondé, a Brazilian philosopher and writer, has voiced his concerns over what he describes as the 'fetishization' of autism, arguing that a serious psychological diagnosis has morphed into a fashionable lifestyle trend. In a provocative analysis published previously in Folha, he questions how autism, which was once regarded as a serious mental health issue, is now being embraced almost as a desirable trait by many. This transformation raises significant questions about societal attitudes toward mental health and the commodification of psychological conditions in a capitalist framework.

Pondé references the Netflix series 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' to illustrate his point, indicating that popular media plays a role in portraying autism not as a condition to be approached with sensitivity, but rather as an attractive characteristic. He notes that the show exemplifies the trend of romanticizing the struggles associated with autism while simultaneously emphasizing the heightened intelligence and concentration abilities often attributed to individuals on the spectrum. Pondé's observations draw attention to the irony of how a condition that presents unique challenges is being celebrated in a manner that may overshadow the real-life implications for those affected.

Furthermore, Pondé recounts a controversial incident at a mental health event where a psychoanalyst advocating for environmental causes of autism faced backlash. This incident underscores the divided opinions within the mental health community regarding the roots and representations of autism. Through his critique, Pondé invites a broader reflection on how society interacts with complex issues like autism, questioning whether the current narratives serve to promote genuine understanding or simply contribute to a trend-driven society that risks trivializing the lived experiences of individuals on the spectrum.