Understanding the Diagnostic Label Autism

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Eric London, Director of the Autism Treatment Laboratory at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, examines the evolving understanding of autism’s diagnostic label. Speaking as a psychiatrist, researcher, and parent of a child on the autism spectrum, he explores how definitions of autism have changed over time and are largely based on subjective behavioral observations. London highlights the growing awareness of the neurological and biological diversity within autism, emphasizing the need for more individualized services and supports. He also addresses how advances in science could lead to more objective diagnoses and better-targeted therapies. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40618]