Researchers Say We're Missing Something Important About Autism

Researchers argue that autism has been framed too narrowly as a speech-centered communication disorder.

Autistic people often communicate through movement, repetition, special interests, echolalia, and other nonverbal forms that carry meaning.

The piece calls for models that take autistic self-knowledge and diverse expression more seriously.

It suggests current diagnosis and research may be missing meaningful autistic communication, affecting how people are understood and supported.