In an interview with Jill Bradshaw from the University of Kent, Fiona Gullon-Scott revealed an increase in people being diagnosed on the autism spectrum today, compared to the past. In the late 90's, 4 children in every 10,000 people were diagnosed autistic. Today, 1% of the population is on the autism spectrum.

Is this increase in diagnoses because there are more people who are autistic?Or are we simply thinking about what constitutes as Autism differently?

What is anyway?

The term autism was first used by a psychiatrist called Bleuler in 1911 to try and describe a type of what was then called ‘childhood schizophrenia’.
_{So what exactly is Autism? Dr.Damian Milton.}

In the 1940’s Kanner and Asperger studied groups of children with ‘childhood schizophrenia’. They found a set of similar symptoms different from the schizophrenia it was thought to be.

Leo Kanner discovered Autism in 1943.
It is a developmental condition although what causes it has yet to be determined (studies lean toward genetics). It is apparent from childhood and continues throughout a person’s life, impacting intellectual, emotional, social, physical or motor skills.

Asperger’s work was discovered in the 70’s lending to the term Asperger’s Syndrome; part of the spectrum but not considered autism per say.

Terminology.

Important to note; Terminology for Autism has changed throughout the years.

It was referred to as childhood schizophrenia back in the day, and later called childhood autism, autism, Asperger's, Atypical autism and today, the autism spectrum.

"On the spectrum" means that although all people on the autism spectrum may share the same disabilities, these disabilities affect them and their lives in different ways.

How is Autism Diagnosed:

Traditionally, autism is present when a person displays certain patterns of behaviour.
` This doesn’t mean every person with autism behaves similarly.

Autism ‘behaviours’ vary but are usually determined by empathic capacity - how easily the individual relates to others, and uneven cognitive development - some people are skilled in one area significantly more than another. Social communication is a significant challenge.
` This doesn’t mean all poor communicators are Autistic. They are simply better at processing visual information vs verbal information.

Triad of Impairments.

The presence of Autism is determined by the “Triad of Impairments”; Communication, Social Interaction and Patterns of Behaviour.

Communication requires involvement of both parties.
People not on the spectrum - ‘neurotypicals’ - will sometimes have difficulty understanding emotions and cognitive processes of those on the spectrum. While those on spectrum, have trouble understanding neurotypicals. This can lead to a lot of frustration.

Theory of Mind.

Neurotypicals who possess 'theory of mind’ know that others have feelings and thoughts that are separate from ours.

However, some perceive social interactions to be "more complex than simply saying someone passes through intuitive methods to arrive at the idea that others have their own knowledge or feelings."

‘Theory of mind’ is disputed as an explanation of autism by some, "but it is helpful in understanding what we might otherwise perceive as callous indifference."

‘Theory of mind’ is a description of an issue rather than an explanation (Bowler, 2007).

Human interactions work both ways.

Neurotypicals are profoundly gifted at not telling the truth and manipulating others (and themselves!) for their own benefit, but we seldom accuse ourselves of pathological indifference to the welfare of others. Neurotypicals are skilled at ‘morally disengaging’ (or ‘turning down’ their own ‘theory of mind’) with people in distress. _{Understanding Autism, University of Kent.}

Questions on Diagnoses:

There has been no definitive assesment for diagnoses. As result, autism has been called many things in the past and it’s definitions seem to constantly evolve, along with the instruments of assesment. Most diagnosed with Autism also have a coexisting condition (usually ADHD or an intellectual disability).

What if “Autism” is actually symptoms from a preexisting condition?

Is it possible for Autism to be a misdiagnosis of anothers symptoms? Especially since the definitions for what ticks of boxes for “Autism” change so often?

It is interesting to note because of the ever changing nature of what determines autism, persons previously diagnosed autistic may not be autistic by today's definitons.

In an interview with Jill Bradshaw, Dr.Damian Milton and Georgine Watts from the Tizard Centre, talked about communication difficulties experienced by neurotypicals and those on the spectrum.

Problems Empathising.

Damian describes the double empathy problem - when both people in an interaction have a problem empathising with each other. George notes that neurotypicals are able to make assumptions based on body language and tone of voice, which tends to lead them to the wrong conclusion.
i.e.: A person on the spectrum who is passionate about injustice may yell at the person assumed to have committed the injustice, without realizing their raised voice. The neurotypical perceives the Yeller as being aggressive and this could lead to misunderstanding.

George: “So many times I've had to say don't listen to my tone of voice. I know you're perceiving me as being aggressive or being whatever, but that is not what I mean. Just listen to my words. And I think that's why written communication is often easier for many of us.” _{University of Kent via FutureLearn}

I should mention there has been debate on polite terminology referring to people as "austistic" or "on the spectrum" vs having a ‘disorder’.

More information:

Autism ControversiesAutism Diagnosis DebateIdentity-First Language

Personally, I think it is a condition, much like how we would refer to a person as bipolar, or has alzheimers, or has parkinsons. It is simply reference to a condition.

Did You Know...

• Autism is 4.5 times more likely to affect boys than girls. Read more.
• Autism is a lifelong condition, and so is found in children and older persons.

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Image: 1, 2, 4 - Me, 3 & 6, 5.

Further Reading:

1. So what exactly is autism?, Dr.Damian Milton.
2. Comic, Rebecca Burgess Redesigns The Autism Spectrum.
3. Autism Science Foundation.
4. Autism & Safety.

Previous Psychology Articles:

1. Happiness: A Product of Evolution or Positive Psychology?
2. Personal Narratives: Reclaim Your Past & Envision Your Future.
3. Duchenne Smiles and possible Darwinian Value.
4. The Familiarity Principle.
5. Kindness and the Pursuit of Happiness.