Autism could be seen as part of personality for some diagnosed, experts say

Sociologist Judy Singer, known as the ‘mother of neurodiversity’, believes some types of autism could be seen as identity rather than a medical condition. Photograph: Anna Gordon/The Guardian

With a seven-fold rise in diagnoses of autism in the past 20 years in the UK, studies showing one in 36 children could be on the spectrum and waiting lists for help and support at record highs, awareness of neurodiversity has never been so high.

Now, key voices are arguing that some autistic people could no longer be considered as having a disability at all. Instead, their autism could be regarded as part of their personality.