Autism Spectrum Disorder is a clinical term from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR, 2022) describing a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent differences in:
- Social communication and interaction, and
- Restricted or repetitive behaviors, interests, or sensory experiences.
The DSM presents these traits through a deficit framework, emphasizing impairment in functioning.
The neurodiversity movement, by contrast, understands autism as a variation in human cognition, perception, and relational style — not a disease to be cured but a way of being that deserves accommodation and respect.
In Context
- The term “spectrum” recognizes that autism manifests in diverse ways across individuals.
- Earlier categories such as Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-NOS were merged into ASD in the 2013 DSM-5 revision.
- Diagnosis often hinges on behavior interpreted by neurotypical observers, creating room for bias and misdiagnosis.
In Critique
From a Biasology and HAIR perspective, ASD illustrates how clinical systems pathologize differences in relational processing rather than acknowledging alternative forms of attunement.
Autistic presence often challenges neurotypical expectations of reciprocity, yet within relational frameworks like RCA or HAIR, these differences can be understood as unique relational architectures, not deficits.
“Autism isn’t a lack of empathy. It’s a difference in how empathy travels.” — Ian P. Pines & Ash, Relational Co-Authorship
