The Rise of Autism: Risk and Resistance in the Age of Diagnosis

This book investigates why there has been an increase in the diagnosis of autism since the 1990s, exploring competing explanations and the medicalization of life course. It examines the usefulness of autism as a diagnostic category and its impact on individuals and society. The book is relevant to clinicians, health professionals, medical researchers, scholars, and students in sociology, philosophy, psychiatry, psychology, social work, disability studies, and childhood studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intriguing phenomenon of why the prevalence of autism diagnoses has surged since the 1990s. Through an engaging exploration of competing and widely debated explanations, it sheds light on how these interpretations have shaped different perspectives on the same data. At its core, the author argues that the rise in autism diagnoses can be attributed to the medicalization of life courses, while also acknowledging the potential influence of modern-day environmental exposures throughout one's lifespan.

Furthermore, the book takes a critical stance on the validity of autism as a diagnostic category, instead focusing on its usefulness as a diagnostic tool and its impact on the rise of autism. By examining the benefits and costs associated with diagnoses, it challenges the notion of diagnoses as mere realizations or social constructions. This thought-provoking inquiry seeks to answer the crucial question: who do diagnoses serve to benefit, and at what cost do they come?

The book is a valuable resource for clinicians, health professionals, medical researchers, scholars, and students across various disciplines, including sociology, philosophy, psychiatry, psychology, social work, disability studies, and childhood studies. It provides a comprehensive review of the data highlighting the increasing use of autism as a diagnosis, while also offering insightful analysis of the underlying reasons for this phenomenon. Through the lens of theory, it offers valuable insights into interpreting the expanding application of the diagnosis and the broadening of autism as a concept.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of autism diagnosis and its societal implications. It sheds light on the rising prevalence of autism, challenges prevailing perspectives, and encourages a deeper exploration of the benefits and costs associated with diagnoses. By providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, it contributes to our understanding of this evolving field and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367695460