Autism and Ageing: Unpacking the Systemic Factors Behind Increasing Diagnoses and Unmet Needs
Original framing: “Daily briefing: What we know about autism and ageing — and what we don’t” — Nature
The original framing omits the historical and systemic context of autism diagnosis, including the impact of ableism, stigma, and lack of representation in healthcare systems. It also neglects the perspectives of autistic individuals, their families, and caregivers, who are often marginalized in research and policy discussions. Furthermore, the narrative fails to address the intersectionalities of autism with other social determinants of health, such as poverty, racism, and sexism.
Low structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
This narrative was produced by Nature, a leading scientific publication, for an audience of researchers, policymakers, and the general public. The framing serves to highlight the scientific community's knowledge gaps and calls for further research, while obscuring the structural and systemic factors contributing to the increasing diagnoses. By focusing on individual cases and scientific inquiry, the narrative reinforces the dominant Western biomedical paradigm.
The history of autism diagnosis is marked by ableism, stigma, and marginalization of autistic individuals. By examining the historical context of autism, we can identify patterns of exclusion and oppression that continue to impact autistic individuals today. This understanding can inform more inclusive and equitable policies and practices.
The increasing diagnoses of autism among adults highlights a broader systemic issue: inadequate support systems and lack of research on ageing with autism.