Autism diagnoses increase while experts cite increased awareness of the epidemic

Monday’s autism announcements have triggered deeper conversations on generalized neurological disorder.

Health officials spoke during a press conference in Washington, DC, on possible causes, vaccination advice and the potential of a cancer drug to double as an autism therapy.

Autism diagnoses have increased regularly in recent decades, according to centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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“In the 1970s, autism was considered rare, perhaps 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 children,” MD, MD, Ph.D., doctor-scientist and founder of Atossa Therapeutics in Seattle, Washington, told Fox Newsa.

In 2000, about one in 150 children aged 80 suffered. In 2010, this number had increased to one in 68 – and by 2022, one in 31 children was diagnosed.

Autism diagnoses have increased regularly in recent decades, according to centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (istock)

“Autism is no longer a rare condition nestled in psychiatric textbooks,” said Quay. “This is part of the daily fabric of schools, clinics and families around the world.”

Dr. Aggie Papazyan, a psychologist based in Los Angeles specializing in autism spectrum disorder, noted that the prevalence of autism has also increased worldwide.

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“These rates vary according to the region,” she told Fox News Digital. “In many places, especially in high income contexts with more robust diagnostic and health resources, prevalence estimates have increased.”

She added: “However, it is important to note that the way autism is measured makes a big difference.”

Consciousness vs epidemic

The CDC noted that an improvement in the identification of autism could be part of the increase, but that other factors could also come into play.

Decades ago, many autistic people were “missed, diagnosed or labeled differently,” said Papazyan.

“There does not seem to be a sudden increase in biological incidence.”

“Over time, as awareness has developed, diagnostic definitions have expanded and screening has become a little more routine-so it is not surprising to see more autism diagnoses,” she said.

“The biggest false idea is that the increase in figures means that autism itself suddenly becomes more common,” continued the expert. “It is frightening for some people, but there is no new autism epidemic. ‘”

Experts say that more funding is necessary for early intervention programs, such as speech, work and behavior therapies. (istock)

Most of the increase, according to Papyan, is due to previous intervention, wider diagnostic criteria and better access to services.

“There does not seem to be a sudden increase in biological incidence,” she added. “There can still be a real climb, but it’s not as dramatic as many people want to think.”

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Quay said that it would be “naive” to assume that the increase is only due to better detection, and said that environmental change also plays a role.

“Fifty years ago, many people on the spectrum were poorly labeled-sometimes as intellectually disabled, sometimes as” eccentric “or” strange “, but I don’t think that explains the whole increase,” he said.

To counter increasing autism diagnoses, experts call for increased awareness and acceptance while reducing stigma. (istock)

“Environmental influences, from prenatal exhibitions to changes in maternal health to changes in early childhood experiences, probably play a certain role.”

“Urgent need”

To counter increasing autism diagnoses, Papyan calls for increased awareness and acceptance while reducing stigmatization, as this affects the way resources are allocated.

“Beyond that, we must extend the diagnostic and evaluation services, especially in poorly served communities, so that people are properly diagnosed and receive the care they need,” she said.

Papazyan said more funds are also necessary for early intervention programs, such as speech, work and behavior therapies.

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Experts have also agreed that support is necessary for autistic people as they age, in particular mental health services, financial aid and life skills development.

“Interventions are necessary which go beyond childhood, because adults autistic will spend most of their lives outside the school system, but the services for them are almost non-existent,” said Quay.

“Fifty years ago, many people on the spectrum were poorly labeled.”

For the future, Papazyan predicts that the prevalence of autism will continue to increase in the coming years before slowing down and finally hits a set.

Quay also expects the prevalence to continue to increase in the short term, largely due to improvements in detection and the “societal desire to diagnose”.

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“There remains to be seen if there is a biological tray,” he said. “If environmental contributors are identified and attenuated, we could see stabilization.”