Introduction

Autism was initially a diagnostic classification that gained traction during the 20th century within North America, Western and Northern Europe, and Australia but has spread in the 21st century to other parts of the world. To the extent that psychologists have attempted to argue for a universal diagnostic category across cultural contexts, there is typically a consensus on the value of a worldwide acceptance of the diagnostic criteria for ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) notwithstanding culturally enacted ‘differences in the presentation of autistic symptomatology’. The WHO nevertheless believes that a universal diagnostic category of autism is possible and that early detection and individual treatment promote socioeconomic well-being for autistic individuals and their families across global contexts. In a related but distinct vein, the neurodiversity movement situates autism as a universal feature of the ‘diversity’ of the human genome. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.