Why Autism Diagnoses Are Increasing: A Look at Contributing Factors
As the conversation about autism continues, many people wonder why autism rates are increasing. The reasons for this increase are complicated, and don’t have anything to do with pseudoscience or vaccines. Let’s explore the various factors that contribute to more diagnoses of autism all over the world.
Diagnoses Have Gotten More Accurate
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has undergone several revisions since its inception, and each revision has impacted how autism is diagnosed. The earliest versions of the DSM had stricter and narrower definitions of autism, often limiting diagnosis to the most severe cases. Over time, the criteria expanded to recognize a broader spectrum of symptoms, ranging from people who need a lot of medical and parental support to those who are highly functioning.
The shift to recognizing autism as a spectrum has led to more accurate diagnoses of both children and adults. This broader understanding now includes people with milder symptoms who may have previously gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This increase in diagnoses doesn’t necessarily reflect a true increase in the prevalence of autism but rather an improvement in how we identify it.
We’re More Aware of Autism
Over the last several years, society has gotten a better understanding of autism. Organizations likeAutism Speaks, The National Autistic Society, and other advocacy groups have done good work to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and educators about the signs and characteristics of the autism spectrum.
Decades ago, a child with autism symptoms–difficulty with social interactions, repetitive movements, or intense focus on specific topics–might have been dismissed as shy, quirky, or having behavioral issues. Today, those behaviors are more likely to trigger early intervention and assessments for autism.
Increased advocacy has also pushed for early childhood screenings, where pediatricians and other medical professionals actively monitor developmental milestones. More early screenings translates to increased chances of identifying autism at younger ages.
Autism is Less Stigmatized
Historically, there was significant stigma surrounding autism and developmental disorders in general. Society viewed autism through a negative lens. Parents may have avoided seeking a diagnosis for their child due to fear of discrimination.
Today, thanks to advocacy efforts and the rise of neurodiversity movements, the public perception of autism is shifting. Many now understand autism as a different way of thinking and interacting with the world, rather than as a disorder to be “cured.” More families feel encouraged to pursue diagnoses without as much fear of societal repercussions.
More People Have Access to Healthcare
Over the past few decades, healthcare systems all over the world have made strides in making sure more people can access routine health screenings. Regular check-ups in early childhood allow doctors to assess developmental delays or atypical behaviors that might indicate autism.
Along with healthcare access, insurance coverage has also expanded to include autism screenings and interventions. In the US, many states have mandated that insurance companies cover autism-related services. This has made it easier than ever for families to seek out treatment.
Diagnosis of Comorbid Conditions
Many children with autism also have co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, or intellectual disabilities. As awareness of these conditions grows, and as doctors begin to look more holistically at children who present with a range of challenges, more people can get more than one diagnosis. A child initially diagnosed with ADHD, for example, may later receive an autism diagnosis as well, or vice versa.
Does Your Child Have Autism?
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, it’s never too early to see a therapist. Early interventions can help them learn to cope with their environments, develop communication skills, and regulate their emotions. With the right support, people with autism can live happy, fulfilling lives.
To learn more about how therapy can best support those with an autism diagnosis, please reach out to us.
