Is It Autism? Exploring the Complexities of Diagnosis
- Apr 21
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Kirsty Marie Denny specialises in trauma, neurodivergence, and sensitivity, empowering her clients to transform their lives through energetic kinesiology. Her focus is on each individual’s unique gifts and challenges and the root causes of distressing symptoms.
The number of diagnoses of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a hot-button topic these days. Whether you consider a diagnosis to be a blessing or a curse, whether you think there are too many or too few diagnoses, you’re likely to encounter plenty of people who strongly disagree with you. So why is this topic so heated? Let’s break it down.
So, what is autism?
This article will focus primarily on autism or ASD, with these terms used interchangeably, as this is perhaps the most controversial and talked-about diagnosis currently. However, many of the points raised will also be relevant to ADHD.
What is it? The official DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) includes criteria such as persistent deficits in communication and social interaction, restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, and hyper or hypo-reactivity to sensory input. Naturally, there is a lot of variability in how these traits are expressed and how much a person’s day-to-day life is impacted. Hence, the idea of a spectrum and the inclusion of different levels of ASD, based on lower (level 1) to higher (level 3) levels of support required (see the official criteria from pg 50 of the DSM-5).
Medical diagnosis vs. Popular culture
Autism advocacy groups, such as Altogether Autism, promote the idea of autism as a different way of being that is neither good nor bad but a natural expression of neurological diversity.
So already, we have a conflict, as to receive a diagnosis, one must focus primarily on deficits and disability. However, many people who identify as autistic do not consider it a disorder at all and attribute many of their challenges to being misunderstood.
The average person’s perception of autism is likely to be shaped by the individuals they happen to know with this diagnosis and/or depictions in the media. However, some commonly noted traits of autistic people include being socially ‘awkward’ at least in some situations, having special interests they fixate on, reduced or unusual eye contact, stimming behaviours (repetitive movements) used to calm themselves, and a propensity for sensory overwhelm or meltdowns. Some autistic people speak, and some don’t, some have trouble with bodily control, and some don’t, some need constant care, and others are independent. The presentation is extremely variable.
Having considered some of the ways autism could ‘look’ or be expressed, we’re not necessarily any closer to understanding the origin of this collection of behaviours or ways of being. With this in mind, let’s consider another question that generates much controversy.
Is autism genetic?
It has become widely accepted that autism (and ADHD) tends to run in families and is considered by many to be predominantly genetic. This lends support to the idea that neurodiversity is simply natural variation in neurology across a population. But what does the evidence say? Research shows a huge range of genes that may be associated with autism. There is no simple answer here, nor any current means of diagnosing someone based on their genetics.[1]
What about environmental factors?
The most controversial environmental stressor to be associated with autism is, of course, vaccines, and in recent times, Tylenol/acetaminophen. But let’s set that aside for a moment and look at other factors. Studies have shown a correlation between various environmental pollutants and the incidence of ASD.[2] Therefore, to my mind, any and all potential sources of toxicity and stress on the developing body seem worthy of further consideration when it comes to neurological development.
You may have heard the phrase, ‘genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger,’ and the concept of genetics interacting with environmental factors and stressors to produce variable outcomes (epigenetics) is widely accepted at this point. Therefore, given the wide range of genes and genetic mutations (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms or SNPs) associated with ASD, it seems likely that epigenetics is important here.[3]
For example, Metallothionein is a protein involved with binding heavy metals for detoxification.[4] As metal exposure can produce all sorts of symptoms that fit under the autism umbrella,[5] it seems likely that a genetic mutation affecting metallothionein production could interact with metal exposure to produce neurodevelopmental symptoms. This is just one example of an enormous number of ways that genes and environment may come into play.
It is also widely acknowledged that many autistic people experience gut issues, and there has been significant research into the microbiome and different probiotic strains. This is another epigenetic factor that may run in families, with mothers having a direct influence on the microbiome of their babies.[6]
This is obviously a very complex topic, and my opinion is that the behaviours, traits, ways of being, and medical challenges that are grouped together as autism can have widely different root causes in addition to requiring different levels of support.
The sensitivity hypothesis
Despite the variation in the way autistic people present, personally, from an energetic/intuitive point of view, I’ve noticed a similar ‘essence’ that is shared and tends to draw neurodivergent individuals to each other. In my opinion (and I’m sure I’m not alone in this), sensitivity may be a key touchstone/point of reference here. It’s important to note that there is much beauty and value to be found in this sensitivity. If you’re interested in honing your sensitivity or parenting more intuitively, you might like this previous article.
Of course, there are many different types of sensitivity. An individual could be sensitive to various chemicals, foods, and even electromagnetic fields, as well as displaying sensitivity to the emotions of the self and others. These sensitivities then interact with a variety of environmental factors and experiences at different stages of development, such that we have vastly different outcomes.
So, why bother with a diagnosis?
If we’re not even clear on exactly what we’re looking at, then what is the value in a diagnosis? Here are some of the reasons people find significant value in an official diagnosis:
Access to funding and supports: This is a big one, especially for parents of autistic children. The reality of our current systems is that accommodations, teacher aides, and funding in schools, for example, are available based on official diagnoses and the level of support needs specified. This also applies to support available to full-time carers of autistic people and autistic adults who require assistance to live fulfilling and relatively independent lives.
Understanding: Many people report a massive sense of relief upon receiving a diagnosis, as they can see more clearly the reasons for various struggles they have encountered, understand their own behaviours and stressors more clearly, and have greater self-compassion. They may also be more empowered to design a life that works for them without the guilt of feeling they ‘should’ be able to manage all the same situations and stressors as a neurotypical person. Similarly, parents of children with challenging or confusing behaviours related to neurodivergence may feel much better equipped to parent in a way that works for their unique child and receive less judgment from other parents, teachers, family members, etc.
Inclusion in autistic culture: This relates to the above point about understanding but extends to a sense of belonging. Many autistic individuals have spent most of their lives feeling somewhat on the outside, and so the idea of being part of a community of like-minded neurodivergent people who celebrate their differences can be immensely comforting.
What are the potential pitfalls?
Of course, there are also reasons for people to feel they don’t want or need a diagnosis:
Judgment: This is the flipside to receiving understanding based on a diagnosis and may depend largely on the prevailing opinions in different communities. In some cases, people may be quick to stereotype or categorise according to their preconceptions about what autism looks like.
Limitation: This relates to the point above regarding judgment. Some people are reluctant to have an official diagnosis on record as it may result in stigma or discrimination, including when seeking work. In addition to concerns about the perceptions of others, self-limitation is a possibility. For example, if I believe that the challenges I’m experiencing are ‘just the way I am’, I may prevent myself from changing in ways that are positive for my wellbeing.
Should the spectrum be ‘split’?
Over time, the criteria for receiving an ASD diagnosis have expanded significantly, as discussed in this recent (controversial) interview with Uta Frith. While this means that more people are receiving understanding and support, there has been a resurgence in people suggesting that the criteria for the diagnosis of autism may be so broad that it means very little. There are also concerns that the breadth of the spectrum may be detracting from the needs and funding available for those more severely disabled by their presentation of autism (as in needing full-time care into adulthood).
I can understand the perspectives of both those for and against reviewing the criteria for autism diagnoses, and find it useful to zoom out and look at the big picture. Here are some useful questions to ask:
Is autism/ASD a concrete entity? As I’ve previously mentioned, I personally feel it is a collection of traits and presentations with variable root causes categorised under the umbrella of autism.
Are there more things that unify or separate the different presentations of autism? Although there are common threads that can be seen even between individuals with very different support needs, simultaneously, the assertion is often made that no two autistic people can be reliably compared. It’s certainly true that the experiences of a level 1 autistic person and a level 3 autistic person can be vastly different, and the frustration and exhaustion of those caring for high-needs autistic people is palpable. In my opinion, it’s likely that those with high needs have more often suffered significant neurological injury and/or chronic brain inflammation linked to toxic exposures.
Why are people angry and/or fearful about having the current status challenged? I can see a variety of factors influencing people’s pushback around splitting the spectrum based on severity or support needs, including a very real fear of losing funding and/or supports, fear of not being taken seriously in their struggles, and fear of losing an identity that has provided them with community and an antidote to many years of somehow feeling ‘different’ or ‘wrong’.
All of this is very much understandable considering our current society and systems, wherein access to support is contingent on having specific diagnoses or pathologies.
So, to my mind, the real question, politics aside, is how do we meet each individual where they are and assist them to thrive?
Looking to the future
In our ideal world of the future, there will probably be no need for specific labels or diagnoses. We’ll be open to accepting each individual (and ourselves) exactly as they are, seeing the holistic picture of their unique being-ness and assisting each other to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Obviously, I’m aware that we haven’t quite attained this utopia yet, and so the question of whether to seek a diagnosis when it comes to neurodivergence in general and autism in particular remains a very personal one with a variety of practical and emotional motivating factors.
In short, the truth is there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the original question posed of whether or not to diagnose, we must all accept responsibility for our discernment.
What we can all most likely agree on is our desire for our children (and ourselves) to experience the most possible fulfillment and joy, and that’s where my interest lies. I love to assist people at all levels, from the biochemical through to the spiritual, to minimise challenges and live their best lives.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss whether I may be able to support your neurodivergence journey. I’d love to hear from you. Kinesiology sessions are available online or in Auckland, New Zealand, by appointment.
I’d also love to hear from you if you’re interested in sharing your perspectives on neurodivergence either privately or by being interviewed for my YouTube segment ‘Neurodiversity Controversy’.
Kirsty Marie Denny, Kinesiologist and Neurodivergence Specialist
Kirsty Marie is an energetic kinesiologist who believes in each human’s capacity to thrive as their unique and authentic self.
Kirsty navigated chronic health challenges in her 20s and an intensely stressful early parenthood experience. Having transformed her own life as well as her children’s, she is on a mission to empower others.
She specialises in supporting those who are highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or who have experienced trauma. Her approach is truly holistic, incorporating practical lifestyle coaching as well as energetic processes for balancing the brain and body and transmuting emotional stress.
References:
[5] Drum, D.A., 2009
