Neurodiversity: 2024 Year in Review
A year of rising diagnosis, overwhelmed systems, international recognition of acceptance, and emerging national strategies to address systemic failures
Looking back on 2024, we see a year of both progress and continued challenges. Over the next few months, we’ll be examining research and news items that could be laying the groundwork for future advancements in neurodiversity inclusion and acceptance.
The increase of autism and ADHD diagnosis, particularly in young adults, has shone a light on the evolving diagnostic criteria for neurodivergent conditions, highlighting the historical failings of screening and diagnostics, which has led to a crisis in medical access. Even in countries with the most services and support are not prepared to deal with the backlogs. For instance, the following chart shows the rapidly growing waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments in England.
In a study from Oct. 2024, autism diagnosis among US children and adults shows an increase of 175 percent over a decade. The sharpest increase in diagnosis was young adults aged 26 to 34, which rose to 450 percent.
The growing prevalence of autism diagnosis among young adults could signify the historical failings of screening and diagnostic criteria. It could also indicate how people mask their symptoms during childhood and throughout their youth, or being misdiagnosed with another condition(s). The waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments are expected to keep growing around the world. In Wales alone, the number of children waiting for an assessment could triple over the next two years.
On a global scale, autism ranks among the top contributors to non-fatal health burden for people under the age of 20, according to groundbreaking findings from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors, published in December. This research shows how 61.8 million people worldwide—or about one in every 127—are autistic.
Moving from Surviving to Thriving
Ever since the United Nations designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, the UN has observed the day as a means to affirm and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people on an equal basis with others. Progress has been made thanks to the many autistic advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring the lived experience of autistic people to the wider world.
Today, 17 years later, we have moved beyond raising awareness to promoting acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society. In 2024, the central theme was moving from surviving to thriving.
"Acceptance of our autistic and neurodivergence traits and being who we are is what we want,” says Sydney Elaine Butler, Founder of Accessible Creates.
“Awareness is just acknowledging that Autism exists, but acceptance says I see you for all you are and want to do better and help the world be better for you.”
Later in the year, The World Economic Forum reiterated why businesses must take action on disability inclusion by 2025, stating that the chief areas of concern includes how real leadership, data and representation are the trifecta for true disability inclusion—a $18 trillion opportunity businesses can’t afford to miss. In their words, it’s the last call for businesses to lead or lag on disability inclusion.
The World Economic Forum also published briefing papers on neurodiversity, including the role Chief Health Officers (CHO) role in realizing business opportunities and fostering an inclusive work environment.
Implementing a national autism strategy is crucial for countries to address the complex needs of autistic people and their families. This includes focus on employment for autistic adults, recognizing their unique skills and talents.
Building on two decades of progress in autism support and services in the United States, the Autism CARES Act of 2024 was signed into law by President Biden on December 23, 2024. This renewed and expanded legislation aims to provide continued support for autistic people and their families with nearly $2 billion of funding over the next five years to support research and programs.
In Australia, the federal government released their first national autism strategy this year, investing $42 million over a seven-year period to create an inclusive society, in which all autistic people are supported and empowered to thrive.
The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to implement a national autism strategy, starting in 2010. Canada tabled a framework for a national autism strategy in September of 2024. Our homebase is in Toronto—so we are digging into Canada.
UPDATE: Canada’s Autism Strategy
The 2007 Senate report, "Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis," inspired the Autism Alliance of Canada to initiate a nationwide effort for Canada to adopt a national autism strategy, a campaign the Alliance has maintained for over 14 years.
Canada enacted the Federal Framework on Autism Spectrum Disorder Act (Bill S-203) in 2023 with unanimous support from both the Senate and the House of Commons.
On September 26 of 2024, the Framework for Autism in Canada and Canada’s Autism Strategy was tabled in Parliament. It is anticipated that a leading organization for the National Autism Network will be announced in the spring of this year. Once established, the Network will unite the expertise and resources of autism organizations and stakeholders, including people with lived experience.
Strategic priorities identified include: 1) screening, diagnosis and services; 2) economic inclusion; 3) data collection, public health surveillance, and research; 4) public awareness, understanding and acceptance; and 5) tools and resources.
The National Autism Secretariat is currently focused on forming the National Autism Network, which will provide a forum for ongoing engagement on federal policies and programs. The Network will prioritize the voices of people with lived experience to advance strategic priorities outlined in the national strategy.
The framework includes a 5-year commitment to reporting to Parliament, so you can expect to see a report in 2029 detailing progress made over the first five years.
Concerns over Canada’s Autism Strategy
This CBC article highlights some concerns over Canada's new national autism strategy. While Health Minister Mark Holland called it an "important first step," families of autistic children express disappointment. Their main concern is the lack of concrete plans to address the existing backlog for diagnosis and treatment.
The article delves deeper into the specific concerns of families and more details in the new strategy. You can find more information by following the link provided.
In the province of Ontario, the autism therapy bottleneck continues to worsen as enrolments decline. The waitlist for services is more than 73,000, according to documents obtained by The Canadian Press.
Autism Alliance of Canada Releases Podcast Series
A five-episode podcast series dedicated to examining Canada's autism strategy was released to address some of the concerns and provide more information about the strategy. Through open and insightful conversations with leading experts and members of the autism community, the series explores various aspects of the national strategy, including screening, diagnosis, and efforts to promote public awareness and acceptance. The discussions focus on how the strategy aims to provide support to autistic people, their families, and caregivers nationwide.
New Research from 2024
Autistic traits foster effective curiosity-driven exploration
Game changer: exploring the role of board games in the lives of autistic people
Beyond first impressions: the importance of seeing the whole person
Collaborative autism study spotlights IU Columbus neuroscience research
Scientists uncover previously overlooked strengths of dyslexia and dyscalculia
Academic Journals
Canadian Journal of Autism Equity
International Journal of Disability, Development and Education
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR)
Communities & Collaborations
Global: Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Canada: Autism Data Collaborative (ADC)