For decades, the definition of autism expanded. Is it now too broad?

For decades, the definition of autism expanded. Is it now too broad?

Jill Escher has two adult children with autism, but they bear little resemblance to the autistic people portrayed in television shows, social media posts and news stories. Escher’s children are 25 and 18. They cannot read or write. They cannot send a text message, make a phone call or cook a meal.  “They have no sense of safety. They can’t brush their own teeth. They can’t take their own baths. They can’t wipe their own bottoms,” Escher said. Th…