Mind matters

Sometimes there is a lot going on. In a crowded room, our senses are bombarded: the chatter of conversation, rustling clothes, blaring music, bright lights and pungent food. Our brains filter out most of this unnecessary information to focus on what matters.

People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder struggle with this filtering. Christine McGuinness has three autistic children and in her new film, she speaks candidly about her own diagnosis aged 33. She says it has helped her "understand why I am the way I am".

Around 1% of children sit somewhere on the autistic spectrum.¹ The condition affects everyone differently. Autistic people can have difficulties with social interactions, anxiety and oversensitivity to light, sound, taste and touch.

Three times more boys than girls are diagnosed. However, Sarah Wild, the headteacher of the only UK state school solely for autistic girls, says women are often better at "camouflaging" and fitting in. Many go through life without a diagnosis.

Research suggests girls mask symptoms by copying others.² They learn "scripts" to navigate different social situations and become highly focused on socially acceptable hobbies, like music, books and studying. So does a diagnosis really matter?

It can be tough. "I hated my diagnosis," Alex told the National Autistic Society. She found out aged 16 and was angry to discover she had no "superpower" like the savantA very talented person, especially in one field such as science or arts. male characters on TV or brainboxes working for NasaThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme.. She felt that autism had no silver lining.

But now Alex is a photographer and talks more openly about her autism. At school, she did not speak much. But her attention to detail has helped her communicate through creating pictures. "I notice things ... I find it magical."

Girls who grow up undiagnosed can blame themselves for struggling at school and with making friends. "A diagnosis can be life-changing and vital to getting timely care and support," says Peter Watt of the National Autistic Society.

Christine McGuinness says she understands herself better and can explain her needs to others. Instead of worrying about appearing "anti-social", she can ask for a "time-out" when she feels overwhelmed.

And high-profile autistic women help remove the stigma and encourage discussion about the condition. Some of the world's most inspirational women are autistic, including the 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 interpreting body language or expressing their feelings in conventional ways. 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 and advocates believe workplaces, schools and society must make room for those on the spectrum. "I am different, not less," says the autistic scientist Temple Grandin. And a greater awareness of neurodiversityThe idea that different people experience and interact with the world around them in different ways. would benefit people with autism and the whole of society.

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. Neuroscientist 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 neurodiversity will help society become more tolerant and accepting of differences.