All in the Mind Are there multiple subtypes of autism, and how vivid are your memories?
Oct 28, 2025
Uta Frith, a pioneering autism researcher, discusses new findings suggesting autism may have multiple subtypes rather than a single spectrum. Catherine Loveday reveals how socioeconomic factors influence brain development in children. Kasia Mojescik and Martha McGill introduce a new study aiming to understand what makes memories vivid, examining the effects of olfactory cues and cultural contexts. The guests also explore how music can evoke powerful memories and even impact dining experiences.
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Autism May Contain Multiple Subgroups
- The autism label has stretched so widely that it likely groups several distinct subtypes rather than one single spectrum.
- Uta Frith argues research should break the large heterogeneous category into biologically and cognitively meaningful subgroups.
Early Vs Later Diagnosed Autism Diverge
- A Nature study found genetic and developmental differences between children diagnosed before age five and those diagnosed later.
- Early-diagnosed cases showed steadier trajectories while later-diagnosed individuals often had co-occurring conditions like ADHD.
Push For Subtype-Specific Support
- If research splits autism into subgroups, tailored supports and treatments could follow.
- Uta Frith says this would require major advances in understanding biological causes.