Conflicting conversations around autism. My take-home notes are:
“The sad truth (is) that autistic people too often do not lead happy lives (diagnosed or not). Compared with non-autistic people, they are about 70-80% more likely to have poor mental and physical health, experience educational under-attainment, unemployment and underemployment, victimisation, social isolation, and premature mortality.
“This has led to some asking whether the main objective of autism research should be refocused to understand how to help autistic people lead happier lives.” ?
The evolution of understanding around autism reflects a complex interplay between diagnostic criteria, societal awareness, and the lived experiences of individuals within the autism spectrum. The shift from viewing autism solely as a disorder to recognising it as part of a diverse identity underscores the importance of embracing neurodiversity. However, challenges persist, with disparities in mental and physical health outcomes highlighting the need for a holistic approach, to support the well-being and positive identity of autistic, individuals.
The loop defined by Russel,”A rise in diagnoses loops back to increased awareness, which impacts on how people identify themselves, which leads to a call for more assessment centres, which has led to a greater rise in diagnoses”
As awareness and diagnoses increase, those with less severe symptoms come forward with their own stories of how autism affects them.
“There is a drive for positively self-identifying as autistic” and it should be acknowledged that you can be in good mental health and autistic.
The diagnostic criteria is widened to take these accounts onboard, which loops back again to another increase in diagnoses.” This loop follows a neurodiversity movement in the late 1990s to remove stigma redefining autism as an identity rather than a disease.
Co-occurrence of Learning Disabilities is now understood to be 75% of this population who are often under-represented in media, communities, and workplaces.
Click here to read the full article published Monday, March 4th, 2024.
I am James' mum 