The Autism Curve
Diagnoses of autism have been rising exponentially. Arguments and conspiracy theories abound about why. So what's behind that steep upwards curve?
Diagnoses of autism have been rising exponentially. Why?
A huge increase in the number of people diagnosed as autistic in the UK and elsewhere has prompted arguments - and conspiracy theories - about what's behind it, changes in what autism is, who gets to define it, and whose experience counts.
Michael Blastland's son, Joe, was described 25 years ago as a "prototypical case", with very little speech, profound intellectual disability, and occasional violence. Is that still the image of autism?
In this series, Michael tries to make sense of the autism curve: what's happening, what it means, and where it might lead.
Presenter: Michael Blastland
Series Producer: Simon Maybin
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound mix: Neil Churchill
Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
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