Are More Autistic Children Being Born or Better Diagnosed?

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition characterized by unusual and repetitive behavioral patterns and difficulties with social interaction. Children of all races and ethnicities can have ASD, and records by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2016) indicate that ASD is more prevalent in boys than in girls. The symptoms of ASD typically become prominent during childhood, when the child begins to experience difficulties in daily activities. As the word "spectrum" in ASD suggests, this disorder encompasses a wide range of symptoms extending across several stages, which can render the affected person less capable of performing typical daily functions. However, the degree to which daily activities are impaired varies from person to person. Diagnosing ASD involves assessing a child's cognitive stability, intellectual functioning, speech ability, and capacity to learn language.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2016), the symptoms of ASD in children may vary considerably from individual to individual. Some newborns may behave differently from other newborns — they may pay excessive attention to certain stimuli, fail to make eye contact, or not communicate with their parents through babbling or other vocalizations. In other cases, symptoms may not appear until a child is two to three years old, at which point the child may begin to avoid social interaction and prefer being alone.

Prevalence of Autism in Children

Statistical records show that in the late twentieth century — specifically during the 1970s and 1980s — approximately 1 in 2,000 children in the United States had ASD, whereas today approximately 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with the condition. This dramatic rise, Suresh (2015) asserts, has forced researchers and the public alike to question its underlying causes. Hypothesized reasons for the surge in ASD prevalence appear across numerous ASD-related articles and public campaigns.

Hypothesized Causes of Rising ASD Rates

Among the most commonly cited hypothetical causes are the following:

— Vaccines, genetically modified organism (GMO) technology, and pesticides
— Wi-Fi signals and the radiation they emit
— Aircraft contrails, sometimes referred to as "chemtrails"
— Residential proximity to freeways

However, the reasons listed above are, at best, unverified hypotheses advanced by various organizations and lack consistent scientific support. It is generally accepted that the majority of factors contributing to any real increase in ASD remain unknown and are still being investigated by researchers worldwide.

Conclusion

The rise of autism diagnoses in the world may be attributable to a number of factors; however, it is important to recognize that the public should not rely on unreliable information promoted by those engaged in pseudoscience. Only the claims of scientists rigorously investigating the environmental, social, and genetic causes of ASD should be taken as credible guidance. It should also be kept in mind that raising public awareness about autism and revising diagnostic criteria thoughtfully can together bring meaningful improvements in how ASD is understood and addressed.

References

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2016, February 1). Autism spectrum disorder fact sheet. Retrieved June 11, 2016, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov

Suresh, A. (2015, October 13). Autism increase mystery solved: No, it's not vaccines, GMOs, glyphosate — or organic foods. Retrieved June 2016, from Genetic Literacy Project: https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org