In recent years, videos about autism, especially about the former diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, have accumulated millions of views on social media. Reports about difficulty socializing, feelings of inadequacy, specific interests and discomfort in social environments have led many people to identify with characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The phenomenon has contributed to increasing awareness about autism in adults, but it has also raised an alarm among experts: to what extent is the popularization of the topic helping to recognize real cases and when does it start to encourage mistaken self-diagnoses? According to doctor and researcher Gabriela Guimarães, the debate requires caution, because the term “asperger” carries a complex history that is often unknown to the public.

“The concept was described by the Austrian doctor Hans Asperger during the 1940s, in a historical context marked by child classification practices and eugenic ideas present in Europe at the time. Currently, the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome no longer exists separately and has been incorporated into autism spectrum disorder”, he explains.

The expert states that one of the main confusions currently observed is the automatic association between social difficulties and autism. “Shyness, introversion, social anxiety, traumasmood disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), high abilities and even periods of isolation can generate similar experiences in some aspects. This does not mean that the person is autistic”, he states.

According to Gabriela Guimarães, autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, that is, its characteristics are present since childhood, even if they were not always identified at the time. “The diagnosis cannot be based solely on identification with internet content. It is necessary to evaluate the history of development, early signs, functional impact and carry out a careful differential diagnosis”, he highlights.

The role of social networks

Social media has played an important role in broadening the discussion about mental health and neurodiversity. For many adultsespecially women, they functioned as a gateway to seek specialized assessment after years without answers to their difficulties.

At the same time, algorithms often simplify complex concepts, transforming relatively common behaviors into possible diagnostic signs. “There is a difference between expanding access to information and transforming universal human characteristics into clinical categories. Not every feeling of social inadequacy indicates a neurodevelopmental disorder”, highlights Gabriela Guimarães.

What is considered in the diagnosis?

According to the doctor, the assessment of autism spectrum disorder involves several factors, including:

• Developmental history since childhood;
• Persistent difficulties in communication and social interaction;
• Presence of restricted interests or repetitive behaviors;
• Sensory changes;
• Functional impact on daily life;
• Investigation of other conditions that may explain the symptoms.

The analysis usually includes clinical interviews, family history, educational information and, when possible, reports from people who followed the patient’s development.

Between awareness and trivialization

For Gabriela Guimarães, the current challenge is to find a balance between recognizing people who spent decades without diagnosis and avoid trivializing a complex condition. “Autism level 1 support exists and deserves visibility. But it is also important to preserve diagnostic accuracy. The objective is not to invalidate the suffering of those seeking answers, but to ensure that each person receives the correct assessment and the most appropriate treatment for their reality”, he concludes.

By Daiane Maio