The growing definition of Autism.

The definition of autism continually changes over time in line with the growth of autism studies and the influences of the neurodiversity movement. The current paper aims to present the ongoing changes in the definition and diagnostic criteria of Autism as well as to introduce the autistic and neurodiversity movement happening globally. It traces back histories of Autism from myths and legends, cases in history possibly related to autism, Kanner’s and Asperger’s pioneered works on autism, and the ongoing transformation of Autism diagnostic criteria presented by all versions of DSM. The contribution of adults with Autism organisations to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria is highlighted and future studies aimed to confirm the effectiveness of the newly revised criteria of DSM-5-TR are suggested. Subsequently, the current paper also discusses the brief history and principles of the autistic and neurodiversity movements that are growing globally and reviews the evolving definition of autism. The possible impact caused by the changes in the definition on the well-being of individuals with Autism is presented as well as future predictions of Autism’s definition are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]