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5. The Spectrum

Has the idea of autism expanded so far that it’s breaking?

Has the idea of autism expanded so far that it’s breaking?

The rapid upwards curve in autism diagnoses and a social media-fuelled trend for self-diagnosis have led to tension. Autism’s centre of gravity has shifted: now those without an intellectual disability are most visible. But where does that leave autistic people who do have an intellectual disability and who could also be non-speaking? Who speaks for them? And what is diagnosis for anyway?

Presenter: Michael Blastland
Series Producer: Simon Maybin
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound mix: Neil Churchill
Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

Available now

14 minutes

On radio

Fri 8 Aug 2025 11:45

Broadcasts

  • Fri 9 May 2025 13:45
  • Fri 8 Aug 2025 11:45
  • Sat 9 Aug 2025 00:30