Changes in the Concept of Autism - Francesca Happé CBE

00:00 // Introduction and Overview
00:08 // Reflecting on 30 Years of Autism Research
00:26 // Gresham College and the Lecture’s Purpose
01:00 // The Growing Awareness of Autism in Society
01:40 // What is Autism? Definitions and Characteristics
02:54 // The Evolution of Autism Diagnosis
04:09 // Expanding Diagnostic Criteria Over the Decades
06:30 // The Increasing Prevalence of Autism
09:25 // Gender Differences in Autism Diagnosis
12:26 // The Challenge of Recognizing Autism in Women
16:45 // Camouflaging and Masking in Autism
20:16 // Autism as a Lifelong Condition
23:33 // Mental Health Challenges in Autism
27:25 // Autism and PTSD: A Neglected Area
31:50 // Addressing Mental Health in the Autism Community
36:05 // Autism as a Spectrum: Dimensional vs. Categorical Approach
40:35 // The Neurodiversity Perspective on Autism
45:12 // The Future of Autism Research and Support
49:00 // Audience Q&A: Gender, Media, and Misconceptions
55:00 // Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Our understanding of autism has changed over the last forty years.

Historically, autism was diagnosed based on narrow criteria. Today, while still defined by social and communication difficulties, rigid interests and repetitive behaviours, the autism spectrum is far wider, and the historical under-diagnosis of women and girls is being addressed.

‘Autisms’ are more often discussed as neurodivergence rather than a single ‘disorder’ to be treated.

This lecture explores how our understanding of autism has changed, and directions for future research.

This lecture was recorded by Francesca Happé CBE FBA on 28th February 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London

Francesca is Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London.

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/n...

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