Are there more autistic people now? a look behind the numbers and headlines

Samantha Fletcher

You might have seen the social media videos: the "five signs you're autistic". You may have heard about long waiting lists for autism diagnosis. You might know, or sense, that the numbers of people deemed autistic are going up, fast.

There's a lot at stake. These numbers mean fiercely different things to different people. To some, autism is a fear (what if this happens to my child?); to others it's an identity, maybe even a superpower.

So what's the truth about the number of autistic people - and what does it mean?

This is an a great looking at behind the headline and numbers, what is going on.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgp08z3egno