Can an autism diagnosis save a life? In a new documentary, reality star Christine McGuinness talks about the "huge relief" of discovering why she experiences the world differently.
The day that everything started to make sense
Can an autism diagnosis save a life? In a new documentary, reality star Christine McGuinness talks about the "huge relief" of discovering why she experiences the world differently.
<h2 class=" eplus-wrapper" id="crosshead">Mind matters</h2>
Life can be a lot. A busy room full of chattering voices, rustling clothes, blaring music, bright lights and smelly food. Our brains filter out unnecessary information and focus on what matters.
People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder struggle to do this. In her new film, TV star Christine McGuinness talks honestly about her diagnosis. She says it helped her "understand why I am the way I am".
Around 1% of children have autism, but it affects people differently.1 Many struggle with social situations and oversensitivity to environments.
Three times more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism. But experts say autistic girls are going undiagnosed.
Research suggests girls mask symptoms by copying others.2 They learn "scripts" to manage situations and immerse themselves in socially acceptable hobbies, like music and reading. So does a diagnosis matter?
It can be tough. "I hated my diagnosis," Alex told the UK's National Autistic Society. She found out aged 16 and was angry because she did not have a "superpower" like some autistic men on TV.
She did not speak much at school. But now she is a photographer, and her attention to detail helps her communicate by creating pictures. "I find it magical."
Undiagnosed girls can blame themselves for problems at school and with making friends. "A diagnosis can be life-changing and vital to getting care and support," says Peter Watt of the National Autistic Society.
Christine McGuinness says she can now explain herself to others. She can explain why she needs a "time-out" when she feels overwhelmed.
And high-profile women remove the stigmaA mark of shame or disgrace that sets a person apart from others. In the 16th Century, it referred to a literal mark branded into the skin. and encourage discussion about autism. Inspirational autistic women include activist Greta Thunberg, Olympic gold medalist Jessica-Jane Applegate, and bestselling novelist Helen Hoang.
It is a myth that people with autism lack empathyThe capacity to understand and feel the suffering of others.. They may have difficulty with body language but they have the same emotions as neurotypicalA person who thinks, behaves and sees the world in a way that is considered "the norm" by the general population. people.
In the UK, only 22% of adults with autism are employed.3 Activists believe society must make space for those on the spectrum. "I am different, not less," says the autistic scientist Temple Grandin. And awareness of autism will benefit everyone.
Yes: Everyone benefits from a greater understanding of our differences and strengths. Someone's diagnosis may not only save their life but also help them contribute to the world and save other lives too.
No: Some scientists say too many conditions are being diagnosed as autism. NeuroscientistNeuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system. There is a lot of overlap between neuroscience and psychology, but neuroscientists tend to focus more on the way that nerves function. Uta Frith says the rise in diagnoses may make the autism label "meaningless" without better research.
Or... Autism may be an imprecise diagnosis that includes many different experiences. But raising awareness of neurodiversityThe idea that different people experience and interact with the world around them in different ways. will help society become more tolerant and accepting of differences.
Stigma - A mark of shame or disgrace that sets a person apart from others. In the 16th Century, it referred to a literal mark branded into the skin.
Empathy - The capacity to understand and feel the suffering of others.
Neurotypical - A person who thinks, behaves and sees the world in a way that is considered "the norm" by the general population.
Neuroscientist - Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system. There is a lot of overlap between neuroscience and psychology, but neuroscientists tend to focus more on the way that nerves function.
Neurodiversity - The idea that different people experience and interact with the world around them in different ways.
<h5 class=" eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Can an autism diagnosis save a life? </strong></h5>
The day that everything started to make sense

Glossary
Stigma - A mark of shame or disgrace that sets a person apart from others. In the 16th Century, it referred to a literal mark branded into the skin.
Empathy - The capacity to understand and feel the suffering of others.
Neurotypical - A person who thinks, behaves and sees the world in a way that is considered "the norm" by the general population.
Neuroscientist - Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system. There is a lot of overlap between neuroscience and psychology, but neuroscientists tend to focus more on the way that nerves function.
Neurodiversity - The idea that different people experience and interact with the world around them in different ways.