Episode 123 (Season 4): Not an Epidemic: Behind the Rise in Autism Diagnoses [featuring Dr. Donna Henderson]

Language matters, especially when it shapes how we, as neurodivergent people, are seen and understood. Conversations about an alleged "Autism epidemic" are everywhere—and can lead to misinformation, stigma, and feelings of shame for Autistic people and families. This episode aims to untangle the myths versus realities, providing crucial clarity and validation in a world full of loaded headlines.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the narrative that autism is an "epidemic" with Dr. Donna Henderson, an experienced neuropsychologist and co-author of Is This Autism? They discuss the real reasons behind the increasing rates of autism diagnosis, unpack harmful rhetoric, trace the shifting diagnostic criteria and historical context, and highlight what these changes mean for Autistic people today. The episode also offers insight into the lasting impact of stigma—and why representation and affirming conversation make a difference.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain accurate, research-driven explanations for rising Autism diagnosis rates—understand how changes in diagnostic tools, societal awareness, and self-identification impact the numbers, rather than believing harmful, epidemic-based narratives.
2. Learn how language like "epidemic" can shape public perception and personal identity, fueling unnecessary shame and fear, and creating barriers to self-understanding, safety, and acceptance for Autistic people.
3. Hear Dr. Donna Henderson’s expert insights and engaging stories, plus practical discussion about self-advocacy, changes in mental health fields, and the vital importance of community, representation, and historical context.

If you've encountered confusing headlines or faced questions about "what’s really going on with increased Autism discovery," this episode provides the clarity, validation, and nuanced perspective the neurodivergent community deserves.

More about Dr. Donna Henderson:

Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical psychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else and Is This Autism? A companion guide for diagnosing. Dr. Henderson’s professional home is The Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provides neuropsychological evaluations and consultations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also provides case consultations and neurodiversity-affirmative training for other healthcare professionals.

• Dr. Donna Henderson's Website: drdonnahenderson.com
• You can grab Dr. Donna Henderson's books here: isthisautism.com
• Donna’s Trainings:
• Is This Autism? — Clinical Version
• Is This Autism? — For Everyone Else
• Dr. Neff’s article: Is Autism Really On the Rise: