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Professor Dame Uta Frith, a leading autism researcher, has raised concerns that the autism spectrum's definition has expanded excessively since the 1940s. She argues this widening—from a precise clinical term to a 'vague, culturally amplified identity category'—risks misdiagnosis and inappropriate care. The expansion now includes individuals with milder traits and varying intelligence levels, influenced by social media and the neurodiversity movement. Frith warns that self-reporting and 'masking' behaviours have lowered diagnostic thresholds, leading to potential inaccuracies. She advocates for greater precision in diagnosis through splitting the spectrum to ensure tailored support for specific needs like sensory issues or anxiety. Mel Merritt of the National Autistic Society counters by emphasising autism's individual variability, cautioning against terms like 'milder traits' and stressing the need for improved access to assessments and support for all autistic individuals. The debate highlights tensions between clinical accuracy and cultural perceptions of neurodiversity.