Is Autism on the Rise?

There’s no doubt the number of children and adults being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing. The latest estimate of Autism prevalence—1 in 36—is more than quadruple the 1 in 150 rate in 2000 when the CDC began measuring it.

The question that is central to this discussion, however, is why. Is it because there is actually an increase in the incidence of Autism, or is it simply an increase in the numbers of children being identified and diagnosed?

Understanding What is Driving the Increase

As we see more individuals being diagnosed with Autism, the underlying issues believed to be driving the increase need to be taken into consideration.

Increased Awareness
Greater awareness of has led to more Autism traits – like lack of eye contact – showing up in medical and school records, increasing CDC numbers in data collection. Policy changes have clearly impacted awareness, too. In 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued recommendations that children between 18-24 months of age be screened for Autism, which has clearly increased the number of diagnoses.

Greater Outreach
As we learn more about Autism, government agencies and service providers have amplified outreach to schools, facilities, families and the general public to educate people about Autism and treatments available – and to identify children with Autism. Researchers have reached out to parents of children with Autism to include them in studies and data collection efforts.

More Readily Available Services
In the past, there were not as many services available to parents and children. Now, service providers are instrumental in identifying the signs of Autism and helping parents understand that their children need to be tested and diagnosed. In 1991, the U.S. Department of Education ruled that a diagnosis of Autism could qualify a child for special education services – which may have encouraged more families to seek an Autism diagnosis in order to receive necessary services.

The Impact of Changing Diagnostics Criteria and Enhanced Data Collection

The most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was published in 2013. DSM-5 consolidated various diagnoses into one primary category: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The consolidation allowed for a more inclusive approach in identifying and diagnosing individuals on the spectrum, leading to increased numbers of individuals diagnosed.

For instance, in the past, children could not have ADHD and be diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, but that has now changed to reflect the reality of that dual diagnosis. That change alone added a significant number of cases to the overall count.

The CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network was established in 2000 to estimate Autism prevalence. That’s just one of the major efforts aimed at improving data collection. Efforts like this have led to increased data collection and more accurate data on Autism rates.

Why We Can Look at the Increasing Numbers as a Good Trend

While in the U.S., the incidence rate is 1 in 36, the World Health Organization currently assesses the incidence worldwide at 1 in 100. Is this a function of more cases of Autism in the U.S. or simply a matter of better data collection methods? Does the U.S. have better awareness, more services, more inclusive diagnostics? Those are the questions being discussed by healthcare providers and organizations on an ongoing basis, but the general assumption in the field is that the increase has more to do with those variables than a growing number of children being born with Autism.

So, how can an increasing number of Autism diagnoses be seen as a good trend? For that exact reason: It’s good because if we’re seeing a greater awareness of Autism, more services being available, and more resources and accurate tools for diagnosis, then more children are being helped.

“Not only are more children with Autism being properly diagnosed,” said Monica Lugo, MS, BCBA, LBA, Executive Director of Client Services at BHA, “but occurrences of Autism are being identified earlier – opening up more opportunities for critical early intervention.”

The bottom line is more cases of Autism are being diagnosed, treated and treated earlier – and that’s a very good trend.

What Myths About Autism Are Still Out There?

Perhaps the most common myth is that Autism is caused by vaccines – and as rates of vaccination increase, so do rates of Autism. There is no scientific evidence to support that claim, though research continues to try to tease out what is actually at the root of Autism. Other unproven theories range from Vitamin D deficiency to canned food linings and air pollution.

There is some recent research that is looking at whether the increased incidence of older parents may be a contributing factor in the development of Autism, but the answers aren’t yet clear. Also, children born prematurely appear to be at increased risk for Autism. Given that more premature infants survive now than ever before, this could be having an impact as well.

There are countless theories about various environmental and genetic factors that might be leading to increased prevalence of Autism among children. There are estimates that over 80% of Autism risk originates in genetic factors that are inherited.

The research continues, and one day soon, we expect to have a better understanding of what causes Autism and, hopefully in the future, we may be able to prevent it. Whatever the cause of raising rates, our focus is on meeting the needs that exist and growing our services so that we never have to turn away a child with Autism.

Our Message to Parents: The Importance of Early Intervention with Autism

Early intervention linked with ABA therapy is crucial. Today, the average age of first intervention is 4.7 years. ABA therapy has been one of the most commonly used approaches for Autism and other developmental disabilities since the 1960s. At BHA, we’re intervening earlier and making a tremendous difference.

“Children with Autism thrive at BHA,” said Erin Wiercinski, BHA President. “Our services are in great demand. We continue to manage waiting lists by growing our services to meet the need. Whether that means closely monitoring trends, so we are always prepared with the professionals needed to meet the demand, or the new building we recently acquired to expand our programs and space.”

At BHA, we provide a lifetime of hope and new opportunities for individuals and their families to grow, learn, and live. From early intervention and education to community living and transportation services, we have developed a reputation for providing an unparalleled continuum of care across the lifespan for individuals diagnosed with Autism.

If your child has been diagnosed with Autism or ASD, please reach out to us for more information. Connect with BHA at [email protected].

If you’d like to join the BHA team to help provide valuable services in our community and beyond, we offer very competitive salaries and unique benefits. Learn more.