Episode 123 (Season 4): Not an Epidemic: Behind the Rise in Autism Diagnoses [featuring Dr. Donna Henderson]
Divergent Conversations
Understanding Autism Diagnoses: The Role of Context and Systemic Factors
This chapter explores the complexities of autism diagnoses, focusing on atypical interests and the struggles clinicians face in defining 'bizarre' behaviors. It also discusses the impact of increased screening and insurance policies on the rise of diagnoses and access to therapies like ABA.
Language matters, especially when it shapes how we, as neurodivergent people, are seen and understood. Conversations about an alleged "Autism epidemic" are everywhere—and can lead to misinformation, stigma, and feelings of shame for Autistic people and families. This episode aims to untangle the myths versus realities, providing crucial clarity and validation in a world full of loaded headlines.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the narrative that autism is an "epidemic" with Dr. Donna Henderson, an experienced neuropsychologist and co-author of Is This Autism? They discuss the real reasons behind the increasing rates of autism diagnosis, unpack harmful rhetoric, trace the shifting diagnostic criteria and historical context, and highlight what these changes mean for Autistic people today. The episode also offers insight into the lasting impact of stigma—and why representation and affirming conversation make a difference.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:
- Gain accurate, research-driven explanations for rising Autism diagnosis rates—understand how changes in diagnostic tools, societal awareness, and self-identification impact the numbers, rather than believing harmful, epidemic-based narratives.
- Learn how language like "epidemic" can shape public perception and personal identity, fueling unnecessary shame and fear, and creating barriers to self-understanding, safety, and acceptance for Autistic people.
- Hear Dr. Donna Henderson’s expert insights and engaging stories, plus practical discussion about self-advocacy, changes in mental health fields, and the vital importance of community, representation, and historical context.
If you've encountered confusing headlines or faced questions about "what’s really going on with increased Autism discovery," this episode provides the clarity, validation, and nuanced perspective the neurodivergent community deserves.
More about Dr. Donna Henderson:
Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical psychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else and Is This Autism? A companion guide for diagnosing. Dr. Henderson’s professional home is The Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provides neuropsychological evaluations and consultations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also provides case consultations and neurodiversity-affirmative training for other healthcare professionals.
- Dr. Donna Henderson's Website: drdonnahenderson.com
- You can grab Dr. Donna Henderson's books here: isthisautism.com
- Donna’s Trainings:
- Is This Autism? — Clinical Version
- Is This Autism? — For Everyone Else
- Dr. Neff’s article: Is Autism Really On the Rise: neurodivergentinsights.com/rise-in-autism-diagnoses
- The Lost Generation of Autistic Adults (Neurodivergent Insights Training) trainings.neurodivergentinsights.com/course/lost-generation
- Watch the original on Substack: neurodivergentinsights.substack.com/p/rethinking-the-autism-epidemic-field
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Thanks to Our Sponsor: Landmark College Success Center & Jane
✨ Landmark College Success Center
Landmark College Success Center, located in San Mateo, California, provides academic support, executive function coaching, and transition-to-college skills training for neurodiverse learners, both in-person and online. A subsidiary of Landmark College (landmark.edu) – the world’s first and foremost college for neurodivergent students – the Success Center is equipped to put you or your student on the path to success. Learn more at landmark.edu/successcenter.
✨ Jane:
Jane is a clinic management software and EMR designed to be an extra set of helping hands in your health and wellness business. Available online and on any device, Jane has branded online booking, scheduling, insurance billing, customizable documentation templates and online forms, integrated payments, telehealth, and more — wrapped up in one beautiful package that even your patients/clients will love. Backed by our unlimited human support available by phone, email, and chat (even on Saturdays!), Jane is here to help you get back to the work you love. Get 2 months off new Jane subscriptions when you use code DCPOD at signup. Visit: janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversations
✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources
If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources
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💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground
Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com
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Mentioned in this episode:
Jane
Jane is a clinic management software and EMR designed to be an extra set of helping hands in your health and wellness business. Available online and on any device, Jane has branded online booking, scheduling, insurance billing, customizable documentation templates and online forms, integrated payments, telehealth, and more — wrapped up in one beautiful package that even your patients/clients will love. Backed by our unlimited human support available by phone, email, and chat (even on Saturdays!), Jane is here to help you get back to the work you love. Get 2 months off new Jane subscriptions when you use code DCPOD at signup. Visit: https://janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversations
Landmark College Success Center
Landmark College Success Center, located in San Mateo, California, provides academic support, executive function coaching, and transition-to-college skills training for neurodiverse learners, both in-person and online. A subsidiary of Landmark College (landmark.edu) – the world’s first and foremost college for neurodivergent students – the Success Center is equipped to put you or your student on the path to success. Learn more at landmark.edu/successcenter.
Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources
If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources
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