Changes in the Concept of Autism - Francesca Happé CBE

Video Description

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/new-autism Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: https://gresham.ac.uk/support/ Website: https://gresham.ac.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/greshamcollege Facebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollege Instagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollege