Abstract Autism has undergone a profound transformation in social understanding over the past few decades. Once defined narrowly as a childhood disorder, it is now recognized as a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition embedded within the broader concept of neurodiversity. While this recognition has enabled many individuals to access diagnostic clarity, early intervention, and identity affirmation, it has also created new social and systemic challenges. The exponential rise in diagnoses across developed nations has placed unprecedented demand on mental health, education, and disability support systems. Simultaneously, emerging research and advocacy have reframed autism through the lenses of inclusivity, minority stress, sexuality, digital adaptation, and workplace equity. This article examines these evolving social dimensions of autism – ranging from stigma and sexuality to digital life, artificial intelligence, and employment – arguing that true inclusion extends beyond awareness into structural reform and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Das et al. (Mon,) studied this question.