I'm glad that modern research and technological advancements have proven that autism is a disease or condition that people have, because in some communities and societies autistic people are regarded as persons who have spiritual problems. Their loved ones will take them to local healers who will keep trying to heal them and some scammer spiritualists will capitalize on the ignorance of family members and keep scamming them of their hard earned money in the name to cure the victims. Therefore it's important to raise the awareness that this are special people who needs our support and understanding, they are not supposed to be treated like outcasts.
I would not go as far as saying Autism is a "Disease", the scientific concensus on Autism is that there is nothing life-threatening about being autistic, it is just a different way the brain had developed to favour repetitive behaviors and does not favour social interaction and change of patterns.
Though, on the other hand, I completely agree with you that it is good society and people in general are getting more aware about the existence of Autism as something cannot be "cured" but rather lived with, so people with bad intentions and scammers will have a harder time stealing money off desperate parents.
When people with autism get the attention and counseling they need, they can actually live a normal and productive life in the most of the cases. The problem comes when we talk about the availability of those special cares and even medicines which are supposed to improve the quality of life of autistic people and their families.
