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Two key definitions of autism have been revised by experts.

The extreme male brain’ model is now being ‘retired.’

Autism as a spectrum is said to be on the point of collapse.

Stakeholders in these models are airing their concerns.

Two leading autism experts have significantly revised their highly influential models. Many who are autistic or have some autistic traits, alongside professionals who diagnose ASD or support those with ASD, now confront an upheaval in the framework they have relied on, leaving many feeling confused and unsupported.

Two Models Proposed for the Scrapheap

The first ‘retired’ model of autism: A condition of an ‘extreme male brain’ characterized by being naturally better at systemizing and naturally less good at and less interested in empathizing. The second proposed change is to scrap the long-held position that autism is a spectrum of traits with varying severity and influences.

These significant changes raise several pressing questions for those with ASD or ASD related issues. How do these revisions affect our understanding of autism? Have those who feel part of an autism community been operating with false assumptions?

Questions also arise about the ethical process around highly influential researchers changing, in effect, retracting their views. On the one hand, we should applaud scientists who revise theories in response to new evidence. On the other hand, researchers who have worked hard to promulgate their views, using their professional status as a vehicle for their message, should be responsive to those whose lens of understanding is suddenly shattered. Given how psychological theory has both academic and practical aspects, I........

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