Comment: What’s behind the UK’s increase in Autism Diagnoses – Amelia Hill, The Guardian.
“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, victimization, social isolation, and premature mortality.”
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.
“While neurodiversity as a term is itself contested (Ne’eman & Pellicano, 2022), it broadly describes the reconceptualization of neurodevelopmental conditions as neurological differences that form part of natural human variation rather than as deficient or disordered ways of being, and as a political movement concerned with promoting and protecting the rights of neurodivergent people (e.g., Jaarsma & Welin, 2012).”
“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.” ?
I am personally in favour of depathologising autism, prioritising identity and a tentative diagnosis of ASD and associated conditions. Current clinical diagnostic criteria may not fully capture the richness and diversity of individual experiences and identities. Instead, perhaps a more nuanced approach that respects individual differences and prioritises self-identification and acceptance might help autistic people lead happier lives.
Highlights from a view of the conflicting conversations around autism, as written by Amelia Hill.
“Co-occurrence of Learning Disabilities is now understood to be 75% of this population. In the 1980’s the understanding was the reverse – only a quarter of people with learning disabilities had autism. Now the NHS acknowledges co-morbidity rate of autism with learning disabilities is as high as 75%.“
Why is this important for parents and educators? It informs teaching methods and accommodations. Click to read about Autism and Intellectual disability.
The diagnosis loop is 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 centers, 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. The diagnostic criteria are 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.”
Click here to read the full article published Monday, March 4th, 2024.
I am James' mum 