Autism is a lifelong state, known to be highly heritable. In modern usage, we usually describe it as a 'neurodevelopmental disorder' or 'neurological condition'... But, even while this framing is widely accepted, autism continues to be clinically measured (in the absence of biomarkers, despite the hopeful billions spent in research money) almost exclusively through its outward manifestations. Some of which may look suspiciously like distress. It’s a bit like measuring the water in a glass only by looking at the condensation on the outside, without taking into account things like room temperature. It’s not that there isn’t any water; it’s just that the way you’re measuring it is highly unreliable. https://www.neurofabulous.org.uk/the-trap-of-diagnostic-circularity.html #Autism #Trauma #Neurodevelopment #Autistic #Pathologising #AutismResearch