Have Autism Experts Changed Their Minds on a Single Spectrum? Uta Frith Sparks Debate on Overdiagnosis

Dame Uta Frith, a leading autism researcher, has ignited controversy by claiming the autism spectrum has become so broad it is 'collapsing' and risks turning into a 'vague, culturally amplified identity category.' Her comments in TES magazine and Psychological Medicine come amid a steep rise in autism diagnoses over the past 20 years, raising questions about whether this reflects better understanding or overdiagnosis. Frith, 85, has faced hostile emails but remains unfazed, sparking a wider debate among experts about the future of autism diagnosis. As the definition of autism expands, clinicians and researchers are grappling with how to balance inclusivity with diagnostic precision—a tension that could reshape support services and identity for millions.