A common topic in autism chatter of today is the “boom” in diagnoses, the refrain being that all of these people cannot actually be on the spectrum. The conversation is delicate because while there are a handful of explanations for this perceived rise in autism, not everyone who experiences difficulties in their social life is anything other than awkward. Not everyone who finds certain stimuli triggers their anxiety is living on the spectrum. It’s any wonder how many adults believe themselves to be autistic but aren’t, or are but have no idea.

Following a recent Good FriendPeer Sensitivity Workshop, an observer remarked how she had seen similar presentations about autism, but the presenter never actually used the word "autism". I thought that was much like talking about reproduction without mentioning the sex organs: not very helpful, and one leaves with more questions than useful information.