Editorial Perspective: Neurodiversity - a revolutionary concept for autism and psychiatry.
Accepted version
Peer-reviewed
Repository URI
Repository DOI
Change log
Authors
Baron-Cohen, Simon https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9217-2544
Abstract
Should we continue to refer to autism as a 'disease' or 'disorder', or is the framework of 'neurodiversity' a more humane and accurate lens through which to view people with autism? Evidence at the genetic, neural, behavioural and cognitive levels reveals people with autism show both differences, and signs of disability, but not disorder. Disability requires societal support, acceptance of difference and diversity, and societal "reasonable adjustment", whilst disorder is usually taken to require cure or treatment. These are very different frameworks. It will be important to see how the concept of neurodiversity is applied to the 300 diagnoses in DSM-5, and if it revolutionizes both the science and the practice of psychiatry.
Description
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Biodiversity, Disabled Persons, Humans, Psychiatry, Terminology as Topic
Journal Title
J Child Psychol Psychiatry
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
0021-9630
1469-7610
1469-7610
Volume Title
58
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher DOI
Sponsorship
Department of Health (via National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)) (NF-SI-0515-10097)
Autism Research Trust (unknown)
Autism Research Trust (unknown)