Is Autism too inclusive?!

Uta Frith’s argument is related to other research suggesting that there could be ‘four classes of autism’, though she is arguing for two sub-groups, which would exclude manny of us here. Let’s hope that she is on her own in arguing for that. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z

I think that the linear idea of a spectrum doesn’t adequately reflect our different challenges or our strengths. The colour wheel model of autism is closer to the reality of our functioning. https://the-art-of-autism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/UnderstandtheSpectrum.pdf

At the moment, most of us with low support needs aren’t getting support anyway, so It mightn’t make much of a practical difference in that respect, but it can be of huge benefit in other ways to our well being and mental health. I reject the possibility of us not having autism because we mightn’t have learning difficulties.

I take issue with Frith’s thoughts about masking and fatigue. There has been much research into this and she has discounted our experiences. https://www.twinkl.co.uk/news/experts-call-researchers-claim-autism-is-not-a-spectrum-bewilderingly-out-of-touch-and-not-from-a-place-of-lived-experience

i do think that the diagnostic process for autism should be standardised. The threshold for autistic traits is fairly standardised between the DCM5 and ICDII, but there is a variation in the diagnostic process between providers, with some people being diagnosed by telephone or online and others having face to face assessments. Autistic people deserve thorough assessments in which they can be observed while they perform tasks that are appropriate for their age group and understanding. The medical report following diagnosis should accurately reflect individual strengths and challenges that can inform those giving support.

it is unfortunate that the gutter press picked up Frith’s article and  headlines it as ‘glamorised’ and ‘desirable’. At the very least, Frith should have considered this narrative when she was interviewed by the TES and she could have chosen her words more carefully.

I rather reject that autism in adults who have no intellectual disability and have masked heavily, perhaps for decades, can be detected by observation (by anyone of any degree of training or experience). Reliance on self-reported traits, difficulties and life experience is much more useful for the diagnosis of adult autistic people. 

I rather reject that autism in adults who have no intellectual disability and have masked heavily, perhaps for decades, can be detected by observation (by anyone of any degree of training or experience). Reliance on self-reported traits, difficulties and life experience is much more useful for the diagnosis of adult autistic people. 

Self reporting after all is how most people reach the fist stage of referral. I wonder if most of what is heard is a belief that they are/feel different, or what they think are medical conditions which relate to autism experiences.