A split in the spectrum? The ongoing battle to define autism
A debate is emerging within the medical community regarding the diagnosis of autism, with some experts concerned about potential over-diagnosis. The discussion highlights the tension between recognizing autism as a broad spectrum and ensuring those with high support needs receive adequate care.
Why it matters
The rising number of autism diagnoses has significant implications for healthcare resource allocation and the social identity of neurodivergent individuals.
A split in the spectrum? The ongoing battle to define autism
By Catherine Burns Health correspondent If someone asked you to think of an autistic person, who would come to mind?
Maybe Greta Thunberg, who says being different can be a superpower.
Or Robbie Williams, who has recently revealed he's found out that he has "a bit of autism".
What about someone like 34-year old James Fitzpatrick? He doesn't talk, has a learning disability and needs constant care.
A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) means someone has certain core characteristics including differences in how they communicate and behave. It's an umbrella term that includes people with very different experiences.
In recent years there has been an explosion in the number of people with an autism diagnosis on their GP record. In England, it has gone from just over 700,000 three years ago to around 1.1 million today.
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