#DisabilityRights

Autism, once viewed erroneously as a childhood condition one might “grow out of,” is now increasingly recognised by experts and advocates as a lifelong spectrum of experiences—redefining the way societies around the globe, including Thailand, must support autistic people of all ages. Recent research and evolving perspectives highlight the necessity of updating public understanding and support systems to reflect the authentic experiences of those on the autism spectrum, urging a move well beyond exclusively child-focused interventions (Psychology Today).

A recent article in Psychology Today challenges widespread assumptions about what it means to be “neurotypical,” sparking renewed conversation about diversity, inclusion, and the way Thai society identifies and supports individuals with different neurological profiles. The piece, written by a clinical psychology expert, questions the utility of binary labels like “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent,” and urges for a broader understanding of human experience centered on individual control, preferences, and agency (Psychology Today).

A growing body of research and personal testimony is highlighting the profound impact that uninformed reactions can have when someone discloses their autism, calling for greater sensitivity and awareness, especially as autism diagnoses rise globally and in Thailand. A recent article in Psychology Today titled “Three Things Neurotypicals Should Know About Autism,” published on May 14, 2025, distills key insights from autistic communities that reveal why common but misguided responses can deeply harm relationships and well-being for those on the spectrum (Psychology Today).

A recent breakthrough in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology from China has shocked the medical and tech communities, as a frontal lobe epilepsy patient reportedly played the highly anticipated video game Black Myth: Wukong using only their thoughts, and with less than 20 hours of training. This development underscores major advances in the field and signals a new era for assistive technology and rehabilitation for neurological patients.

The news, first reported by Notebookcheck, details how researchers equipped a patient affected by frontal lobe epilepsy with an advanced BCI system. Within less than 20 hours of practice, the individual was able to control the video game’s main character, tackling complex tasks and responding to dynamic in-game environments—a feat that usually requires quick reflexes and precise hand movements. The revelation stands as both a technical marvel and a testament to the adaptability of the human brain, even in the face of neurological challenges.

A wave of outrage has erupted across the autism community in response to recent statements by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who claimed that “autism destroys families” and characterized the condition as a societal burden. Parents and advocates have taken to the airwaves and social media to reject Kennedy’s portrayal of autism, demanding a shift in narrative toward acceptance and inclusion rather than stigma and despair. As families in Thailand and around the world contend with increasing autism diagnoses, this controversy highlights the ongoing struggle over how society perceives and supports individuals on the autism spectrum.