New Princeton Study Reveals 4 Distinct Autism Subtypes

A revolutionary study from Princeton University has identified four biological subtypes of autism using data from over 5,000 children. This research could change how we understand, diagnose, and support autistic people.

I spent a few days breaking down this complex study to understand what it really means. The findings are fascinating: genetic programs become active at different times during development, which corresponds to when autism symptoms appear clinically.

The 4 subtypes:

• Social & Behavioral Challenges (37%)
• Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay (19%)
• Moderate Challenges (34%)
• Broadly Affected (10%)

This isn't about "fixing" autism - it's about understanding biological diversity to provide better support. The study suggests some autistic people have genetic effects that emerge after birth, which explains later diagnosis patterns.

I also address why this research strengthens genetic explanations for autism and doesn't support vaccine misinformation.

What are your thoughts? Do these subtypes resonate with your experience? I'd love to hear your perspectives - this affects all of us.

Be on the podcast! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

BUY MY BOOK - What If They're Wrong About You?: Discovering Hope When You've Always Felt Different - https://a.co/d/0c8wdD1

www.aurtisticexpressions.com

Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com

Study published July 9th in Nature Genetics.

Link to original study: https://www.princeton.edu/news/2025/07/09/major-autism-study-uncovers-biologically-distinct-subtypes-paving-way-precision AND https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z

Infographics: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_JZlULHK4__iR9qPU-5Dbvd9zZug9_eW/view?usp=sharing

How exhausted are you from trying to be someone else?

In this episode, Leigh Marlar explores why our culture's obsession with self-improvement is harmful and how shifting from "What's wrong with me?" to "What if nothing is wrong with me?" can transform your life.

Topics covered:

• The exhaustion of trying to fit into the wrong mold
• Escaping toxic workplace environments
• Breaking free from generational trauma patterns
• The difference between healing and "fixing" yourself
• Why sensitivity and differences might be strengths
• Practical ways to ask better questions

Perfect for anyone who's felt different, struggled in systems designed for others, or wondered if something is fundamentally wrong with them.

Leigh shares personal stories of burnout, workplace toxicity, and complicated family relationships while offering hope and practical wisdom for embracing authenticity.

Book: "What If They're Wrong About You: Discovering Hope When You've Always Felt Different" - Available on Amazon.

Host: Leigh Marlar - Author, speaker, and advocate for neurodivergent experiences.

Connect with Leigh:
gal@aurtisticexpressions.com
www.aurtisticexpressions.com
Instagram: @aurtisticexpressions
TikTok: @aurtistic.expressions

Be on the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Be a featured artist: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvCeYLBo9_9iQuDQdWSzLzmrPBM8nxmW04WXpVH-3e77QW5A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Finally settled in the new house and ready to talk about something crucial - autistic burnout. This isn't your typical workplace burnout, and a weekend vacation won't fix it. I break down the real differences, share personal examples of sensory overwhelm, and explain why masking is so exhausting. If you've ever wondered why everyday tasks feel overwhelming while others seem fine, this episode is for you.

My book "What If They're Wrong About You" launches July 1st! 📚 - https://a.co/d/3tvKSzQ

Be on the podcast? Fill out the form and let's chat! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMUppJ0hHK4zNpRBuT5KXZUvLUOJGuy2GEC6kzEp1HyC4O2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104076735903086824388

Email: gal@aurtisticexpressions.com
www.aurtisticexpressions.com
What is Autistic Burnout: www.aurtisticexpressions.com/blog/what-is-neurodivergent-burnout
The Hidden Cost of Masking: How It Leads to Burnout: www.aurtisticexpressions.com/blog/the-hidden-cost-of-masking-how-it-leads-to-burnout
Sensory Overload: The Silent Burnout Trigger: www.aurtisticexpressions.com/blog/sensory-overload-and-burnout