Our understanding and acceptance of Autism has evolved over the years towards a greater awareness of what we call neurodiversity - broadly, the idea that each brain is unique and what used to be considered "disorders" are not at all, but rather reflections of these uniquenesses with their own strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, we have also learned how valuable early intervention is for longer-term outcomes. But how can this be? If we aren't "fixing" anything, why the need for this intervention? Joining me is Dr. Lauren Franz, the Associate Director of Duke University's Center for Autism and Brain Development, for what I hope you will find to be an enlightening and important conversation.

Dr. Franz: https://globalhealth.duke.edu/people/franz-lauren

Focus article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2794074

Programs and articles discussed in the interview:

On Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Interventions:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513196/pdf/10803_2015_Article_2407.pdf

On Early Start Denver Model:

https://autismcenter.duke.edu/news/online-caregiver-coaching-modules-based-early-start-denver-model

Lancet Commission report: https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/autism

Open Access Book "Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement": https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-13-8437-0

Meta-Analysis of interventions: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fbul0000215