In The Politics of Autism, I write:
If the science were not confusing enough, its coverage in the mass media has added another layer of murk. News reports hype tentative findings and weak correlations as “breakthroughs” in the quest for autism answers. When the research yields mixed results, the media headlines can be comically inconsistent. Consider how various publications covered a 2013 study on the impact of in vitro fertilization:[i] John J. Pitney, Jr., “IVF, Autism, and Headlines,” Autism Policy and Politics, July 2, 2013. Online: http://www.autismpolicyblog.com/2013/07/ivf-autism-and-headlines.html; “Autism and IVF: More Contradictory Headlines,” Autism Policy and Politics, July 3, 2013. Online: http://www.autismpolicyblog.com/2013/07/autism-and-ivf-more-contradictory.html
- RARE IN VITRO TECHNIQUE RAISES AUTISM RISK, STUDY SAYS
- IVF PROCEDURES DO NOT BOOST AUTISM RISK
- SOME FORMS OF IVF LINKED TO AUTISM, MENTAL DISABILITY
- IVF, AUTISM NOT LINKED, BUT STUDY FINDS RISK OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY[i]
A recent study found an increase in autism diagnoses in the New York-New Jersey metro area. The study took pains to note that the change largely reflects greater awareness and improved diagnostic techniques. News reports, however, generalized the results to the entire country. Although most of the media articles mentioned the likely reasons for the change, the headlines often suggested that true prevalence had increased.
Autism is not necessarily becoming more common. Rather, we recognize it more often, which is different.
Why is autism becoming more common?
Why is autism becoming more common?
Let's connect the dots.
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can cause social, communication, or behavioral challenges. New research from Rutgers found autism rates tripling in 8-year-olds since 2000.
Now, one in 44 kids across America is being diagnosed with ASD and
that's because there's a greater awareness of the disorder, as well as improvements in diagnostic tools and education.
But one thing is for sure, the CDC and National Academy of Medicine found no evidence autism is caused by vaccines. The surge in diagnoses comes during a nationwide shortage of special education teachers and staff.
The pandemic is also making things worse as parents were less able to get their children a diagnosis or assistance. Experts warn that could have more long-term consequences. They add early intervention can be key to helping autistic kids and folks with other special needs reach their full potential.
