[Boogieman]

“I never heard of autism growing up. Why is it so prevalent now?”

It’s really not. There are two reasons why it seems to be, though:

First, the doctors have changed the definition of autism. It used to only include the classic depiction of autism (extreme social withdrawal, uncommunicative, repetitive movements, etc). Now, they call it “Autism Spectrum Disorder”, because they believe that Autism is the more severe form of a range of related disorders, including milder varieties like Asperger’s. So people who would not be said to have autism 30 years ago, can be said to be “on the spectrum” today, even though nothing about their disorder has changed.

Secondly, there is evidence that false diagnoses (and simply false claims of autism with no diagnosis) have grown significantly. Many people who are just a bit antisocial, or “geeky”, but have no clinical issues, will “self-diagnosis” themselves with some form of ASD, for sympathy, or to be part of the “community”, or other reasons like that. Other times, parents who believe their children must have some disorder will doctor shop until they find one willing to make the diagnosis even if it is not warranted. One study found that having an autistic child in the neighborhood increased the likelihood that other children in the area would be diagnosed. It’s not a contagious disease, so that means there is a social element going on, causing increased diagnoses that probably shouldn’t be happening.

[dead]

One study found that having an autistic child in the neighborhood increased the likelihood that other children in the area would be diagnosed. It’s not a contagious disease, so that means there is a social element going on, causing increased diagnoses that probably shouldn’t be happening.

That's very interesting - I've never heard of that study.

Of course, couldn't it also indicate that the raised awareness caused more correct diagnoses?

Though, honestly, your scenario seems more likely to me.

[Ditter]

Thanks for your explanation, it is the same with allergies. Allergies have always been there they are just counting better now.

[Triple]

“One study found that having an autistic child in the neighborhood increased the likelihood that other children in the area would be diagnosed. It’s not a contagious disease, so that means there is a social element going on, causing increased diagnoses that probably shouldn’t be happening.” - BM

Wow, non-contagious diseases can cluster. It doesn’t have to be “social” or mis-diagnosis. You are way off-base coming to that conclusion so fast.