Autism is not a childhood disease. It's not something we catch, acquire in childhood, or grow out of — and the science on this has been clear for decades. In this episode I'm responding directly to the current conversation about what autism is and isn't, and setting the record straight with research, personal experience, and 20+ years of working in this field. I cover what autism actually looks like across the lifespan, what the DSM-5 levels mean in real terms, and why the push to find a "cure" fundamentally misunderstands what autism is. I also speak honestly to families who are struggling at the more profound end of the spectrum — because their experience is real and deserves to be part of this conversation too. Autism is a lifelong, hereditary, natural variation of the human brain. And our world wouldn't be where it is without it. Follow the show so you never miss an episode. ➔ Watch on YouTube ➔ Read the blog: Autism Isn’t a Childhood Disease—It’s Time We Embrace Neurodiversity at Every Age ➔ Free quizzes, assessments & resources at jodicarlton.com

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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