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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.

[Boogieman]

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

Yes, that is true, but autism (at least the severe form) is something that you would expect to be noticed without having any need for raised awareness. A parent would certainly know something was wrong, even if they had no idea what autism was.

It could also mean there is something environmental in that location causing increased diagnoses, or just a doctor in that area that is more likely to diagnose. I do think the study, if I remember correctly, only saw the increase in diagnoses after an already autistic child was introduced into the area from elsewhere, so the environmental idea is not likely.