Experts question single 'autism spectrum' as diagnoses surge

A strong sense of Justice Sensitivity is associated with both ADHD & autism spectrum conditions (probably a mix of life experiences & “neurotype” characteristics). And I wonder about that given intense popularity of Trek in some circles (more so formerly). Presumably an empirical question.

I got to work with Temple Grandin super briefly on an autism society strategy thing, and on terminology I remember her saying “the problem with calling autism a spectrum is it implies everything else is not”

have the experts who believed in a single autism spectrum changed their minds? “There has been a steep rise in the number of people labelled autistic over the last 20 years. Is that down to greater understanding – or overdiagnosis?” This is v good www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

@jowolff.bsky.social Seen this yet? The story that Steve Silberman so brilliantly told goes on! www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

Wide-ranging piece by @johnharris1969.bsky.social on the full extent of the autism spectrum now www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

NO SHIT! My son now @51 diagnosed "developmentally delayed" in 1977, autism wasn't an immediate go to for special needs children then! He, & younger bro, who's @the other end of spectrum academically & physically both had all of their vaccinations! If you believe otherwise, "your poor children"!

Yes, that's a really excellent piece! I haven't read John's article yet (I see it went online this morning) but my first reaction to a quick look is to worry about the weight still being given to people who were considered experts in the 1980s and 90s. How many autistic researchers are in there?

New autism study complicates Trump administration’s search for cause thehill.com/policy/healt...

never picked it out in myself 😅 I knew I related to those kids a lot but I didn't realize why haha but I think it's because those kids have much larger struggles than I ever did or will and the whole "autism is a spectrum" thing is hard for me to rationalize in myself when I'm on the opposite

Why are there more diagnoses of ADHD and autism now? theeconomyofmeaning.com/2026/09/28/w... via @thebandb.bsky.social

Another was a rather forward and somewhat rude young lady that swiftly apologized and said they were on the spectrum. I don't know whether she was just saying that or not, but we got a few moments of autism in about the different placement of tap readers which was weirdly nice.

But Derek, don't you understand that Musk is on the autism spectrum and is socially awkward? </snark>

I struggle to accept that as a good reason... the health consequences of such excessive processed food may actually include autism spectrum disorders!

ADHD and autism can occur together, but how do we recognize both? Benjamin Yerys, PhD, explains overlapping symptoms, dual diagnosis, and finding the right support. 💙 Watch our latest ADHD Awareness Month video: www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/adhd-and-aut... #ADHDAwarenessMonth

Overdiagnosis of autism. Plenty of people attracted by topping up their benefits and PIP etc. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...