number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78% since 2000

[Mark]

The estimated number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78% since 2000, according to a report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One in 88 American kids has autism, according to the new figures. Among boys, it's one in 54.

Why? One expert says: "Better diagnosis, broader diagnosis, better awareness, and roughly 50% of 'We don't know.'"

One advocate says: "we have an epidemic of autism in the United States." - CNN
----------------------

I wonder what else is contributing to rising numbers

[longnecker]

The estimated number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78% since 2000, according to a report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One in 88 American kids has autism, according to the new figures. Among boys, it's one in 54.

Why? One expert says: "Better diagnosis, broader diagnosis, better awareness, and roughly 50% of 'We don't know.'"

One advocate says: "we have an epidemic of autism in the United States." - CNN
----------------------

I wonder what else is contributing to rising numbers

Your tax dollars at work diagnosing and treating autistic kids. Never heard of this when I was a kid.

[Crabby]

It did exist but not as common and the kids were often kept out of school and institutionalized. I have a high functioning savant classmate whose parents insisted he be allowed to attend school. We all knew he was very odd some how and totally freaked during school fire drills. But he was a math whiz and did OK in other subjects but was/is big and awkward with very poor organizational and social skills and an extremely high frustration level. Now he plays 3 three dimensional chess, gardens and has learned to drive. He delivers pizza for some income and has a brother who keeps an eye on him. He always know where every classmate lives and remembers us all on our birthdays. He's 68 now.

[Tralee]

True Autism, the type I knew about growing up and as a parent was the most extreme form of Autism, the head banging, no touching, no talking, staring off into space type of Autism. Today, and this is just my opinion, it's the new "Tubes" diagnosis. You may be too young to know this but when my kids were little after 2 ear infections a lot of doctors were ready to put in ear tubes and take out tonsils. You know, a boy (and boys take so much longer to socialize and mature than girls - that's just a fact.) who is slightly anti-social or maybe just extremely shy may end up with a diagnosis of Autism. I'm no doctor, but it seems that just "Joey being Joey" is too often being looked at as a mild form of Autism when in fact he's just a little developmentally delayed, give him time and he'll be just like all the others by the time he's 9 or 10 or so. It just takes some kids longer. That's my theory, for what it's worth, about 2 cents or so, as to why so many more children are being labled as autistic. Lecture over, class dismissed.

[Crabby]

Uh, if you meant me, I've seen it all...I'm 67! HA! I taught elementary school for years. My class mate is classic Asperger's syndrome, which is one of the many forms of Autism. I also have several friends who have kids, older now, who are the autistics you spoke of, and until she changed schools, one of my friends worked for many years with the kids at Jennie Smith's autistic program.
My one niece has a very mild version of Aspergers. Very bright, but so shy and scary she just doesn't function socially and still lives at home. She still has panic attacks at age 33. Autism been around for a very long time; maybe some day researchers will figure it all out.

[Tralee]

Uh, if you meant me, I've seen it all...I'm 67! HA! I taught elementary school for years. My class mate is classic Asperger's syndrome, which is one of the many forms of Autism. I also have several friends who have kids, older now, who are the autistics you spoke of, and until she changed schools, one of my friends worked for many years with the kids at Jennie Smith's autistic program.
My one niece has a very mild version of Aspergers. Very bright, but so shy and scary she just doesn't function socially and still lives at home. She still has panic attacks at age 33. Autism been around for a very long time; maybe some day researchers will figure it all out.

If you mean was I talking about you, no, but what a shame about your niece! I worried a little about my first grandson, it's in the genes I guess, because while he is super smart, he was not particularly social, his dad never met a stranger as they say, so I worried, but it turns out he's one of those people who watches, checks out what's what and THEN makes his move. He's 9, with sports and school, he's totally involved and doing really well in school, excellent grades and with his sports he's very much a team player. He's also one of the most caring little kids I have seen in a long time, very atuned to others and how they are reacting to events. Maybe all that watching and listening will stand him in good stead with a career. Who knows. He can READ people. So, gramma love and adoration aside, he's just fine, he may end up being more than just fine, time will tell, but my fears were totally unfounded and probably based on TO MUCH INFORMATION! I think the real problem is that Autism has so many different different aspects that it's hard to have a finite definition of just what is Autism, just as it is to have a finite definition of Alzheimers. Seems the more we know, the less we understand.

[hockey]

It's not just an American thing. Australia reports 1/50 kids, UK reports 1/60, Canada is 1/50, Indonesia, Japan, Iceland and other places are experiencing the same increased rate. It really has to do with better understanding of the condition.


However, these numbers will go down when the newly published DSM V completely redefines the entire Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is rumored to completely eliminate Aspergers altogether. Not sure if this means that PDD-NOS or any other high functioning Autism will be removed too. It's got the mental health community anxious since the DSM is the "bible" that dictates everything from diagnosis to insurance coverage.

Another thing to consider is this....
There are many co-morbid disorders associated with Autism spectrum which blurs the diagnosis even more. Eating disorders, ADHD, Anxiety and Depression, social awkwardness, Bi-Polar, Seizures, OCD, eccentric personalities, are often seen as their own issues when they are more likely to be associated side-effects of Autism/Aspergers. Medical professionals are recognizing this now hence the increase in cases.

Less girls are diagnosed because it's acceptable to be ditzy, a dreamer or a flakey girl and this causes insecurities, shyness and withdrawal. Boys who are different tend to act out in aggression from frustration, they might bully or give up and get in trouble bringing attention to themselves. Some boys are lucky enough to find other boys like them and form friendships focused on geeky stuff like robotics, gaming, etc. Girls get diagnosed much later in life if at all.

It's not a sudden and new epidemic. I honestly think it's why so many people were institutionalized, lobotomies performed and sedated in the 1800 and early 1900's. We don't lock up our kids in psych wards anymore... there is protocol for that now. People have to be a serious threat (to themselves or others) to get committed now.


It's true that Autism didn't have a name but it was definitely prevalent ages ago. Einstein, Warhol, Tesla, Thomas Jefferson, Hitler, Mozart, Darwin (and many others) were all believed to have had some degree of Autism based on their character traits and different behavior. Even Temple Grandin, 64 years old, was thought to have brain damage as a child but is now famous for her Autism.

I've read just about every book written on this in an attempt to better understand my Dad, my childhood, my relationships, my quirks and now my daughter. It's a complicated diagnosis so I'm looking forward to the new DSM release with the updated and revised definition of Autism Spectrum.

[M.Opaliski]

Autism is the most over diagnosed condition going these days.

[cracker]

Autism is the new ADD in my opinion. Back when I was a kid everybody and their brother was on Ritalin for it. Now every socially awkward kid is autistic.

[hockey]

Autism is the most over diagnosed condition going these days.

Really? This is your contribution to this thread? An opinion statement from you when you probably have never even met someone with Autism. Have you?

Maybe you should change your name to Captain Obvious. Why does it seem that all your statements, barely sentences, just reiterate what has already been said in just about every topic. You give no proper reinforcement and leave no room for the conversation to continue. Maybe "Captain Obvious: Instant Thread Killer" would be a better fit. Maybe you were just trying to be funny (in a mental health thread) ?????


Seriously though..... you couldn't elaborate at all or post something that hasn't already been said and explained thoroughly?

Let me help you. Your statement, an opinion and not very factual (unless you forgot to link your source) and knowing through any proper research +/or medical teachings that there are many varying opinions on overly diagnosed conditions. But, since this thread is on Autism, I'll go with the widely popular "most diagnosed condition" of ADHD, related to and like Autism, is a wide spectrum disorder. (simple bing search on "over diagnosed conditions" and you'll see ADHD appear almost as much as depression, Alzheimer's, sleep disorders, Lyme's Disease, etc.) One of the biggest reasons ADHD is over diagnosed is because it is often misdiagnosed as a stand alone condition when it should be categorized as co-morbid to other conditions.

As I already mentioned in my previous post that this is one of the many reasons why Autism is being redefined in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.

Read up....

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1...omisedMessage=

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl..._ylo=&as_vis=1

I know I sound preachy or bitchy but I grew up with a parent with Autism. It's no joke and VERY REAL. It took a toll on my family that we are all still trying to muster through. Anyway, I'm now caring for him, (ALL my siblings refuse to acknowledge him except for the occasional gift that he'll never use), in his advancing age and it is a frustration that is on a level beyond explanation. To care for a man who has an exceptionally high IQ (yet is so stupid and stubborn) with simple, common, everyday tasks would drive even Mother Teresa off the deep end.

UGHHHHHHH. *rant over*

[Josef]

Autism is the new ADD in my opinion. Back when I was a kid everybody and their brother was on Ritalin for it. Now every socially awkward kid is autistic.

I don't know, I know a few autistic people and there is a noticeable difference between someone with true autism and someone who is a little shy or has social anxiety.

[childOfLacroix]

As others have mentioned, in the Bad Old Days, children with autism were institutionalized, then never spoken of by their families; any type of mental disorder was considered shameful and disgraceful, something every family wanted to hide. These days, only the most severely mentally ill people are institutionalized, and even many of them are not; our streets are full of homeless people who are homeless because they've got severe mental illness (even the drunks and drug addicts -- many of them abuse substances in an effort to "self-medicate" for things like schizophrenia -- drink enough to pass out and the voices are gone for awhile).

The spectre of misdiagnosis is a concern, but at the same time greater awareness of autism plays a factor.

It's good that involuntary commitment laws were strengthened. They were strengthened because they were being abused. People who didn't need to be put in institutions were locked away because of the shame effect I spoke of above; also people routinely had family members declared "insane" so they could gain control of money or property. However, along with the mentally ill homeless problem I mentioned, there's the issue that Hockey brought up: it's really hard for a family to provide lifelong care for a family member who is simply never going to live independently. A "normal" child will eventually grow up and leave the house; there is an end to taking care of the child. This is not the case for a severely mentally ill child, which creates an incredible financial and emotional toll on the caregivers. Then eventually, the parents of such a child will die, and there may be no siblings or other family members who can or will pick up the slack. Or only one person ends up doing all the work, without help from other family members. (On a similar note, my husband knew a lady who was the sole caregiver for her dad as he died of Alzheimer's; she had siblings but they refused to help, claiming they were all too "busy" or whatever.)

I am glad I am not involved in this type of situation.

[cracker]

I don't know, I know a few autistic people and there is a noticeable difference between someone with true autism and someone who is a little shy or has social anxiety.

Don't get me wrong, I think that Autism is very real but its just become a fad diagnosis.

[hockey]

Don't get me wrong, I think that Autism is very real but its just become a fad diagnosis.

I don't think it's a fad. I don't know why anyone would want to be diagnosed with Autism and I don't know why a doctor would make that diagnosis if there weren't clear indicators.

There is currently no medicine or treatment to help Austism. The diagnosis only helps in the understanding of Autistic people. It can be a huge relief or it could be a nasty shock to the individual, family and friends.

It doesn't help to have the label at all. Too many people think it's a type of retardation, which it isn't at all. I actually think it's the opposite of retardation. The High Functioning Autistic people I know are rediculously smart, they can't be bothered by trivial stuff like movies, tv, emotions, casual conversations, schmoozing, bullshitting, etc. They are blunt, painfully truthful, tell it like it is...then get back to what interests them. No political or relationship games... you always know where you stand with them too. So many are inventors because they don't get distracted by life's trivial pursuits. How brilliant.

I hope you guys aren't associating Autism with Rain Man.... it's not like that at all. Most cases you wouldn't recognize unless you live with them or are friends, family, co-workers.... then it's very frustrating. In some parts of the world, Autism isn't recognized Like Germany, they are known for their blunt, straight to the point, out of my way attitudes.... an Autistic person would fit in pretty well there.

It's mostly the Western societies where certain expected behaviors, rules and socialization is required.

[Tralee]

I agree with Cracker, of course Autism is real and those with it need all the help and support they can get. I just take exception to the notion that 1 in 88 kids are autistic. That's pretty high, what I do think is that a lot of shadowing personality issues are now being lumped with autism. In that way it is the new fad diagnosis, just like ADD was years ago. There always seems to be a diagnosis of choice that everyone jumps on when things are slightly different. I'm listening right now to some woman talk about children with autism who get over it, really? I doubt they had true autism at all, just a slight developmental delay. That would also explain why more boys are diagnosed as autistic than girls, weren't more boys diagnosed as having ADD and ADHD than girls? Maybe it's just that some boys take a bit longer to learn to socially integrate and control their impulse actions.

[longnecker]

We hear so much about autistic kids. We hear so little about autistic functioning adults I never thought about it. Maybe some of us think they out grow it. Thanks for sharing Hockey.

[Crabby]

No, they don't "outgrow" it. Some can work in sheltered environments and some do function pretty well with a lot of support. My one friend's son takes a UD class, but they aren't in with the general population. His is in computers, but he has a real problem dealing with when assignments are due, time and organizational skills and dealing with what anyone else wants him to do. He has come a long way though, from the little self absorbed, self stimulating, in- his- own- world- kid he used to be. He got the best help available at the time.

[hockey]

Below is the proposed re-definition of Autism by the American Psychiatric Association.... (this could be revised again before the DSM V is finally released ... an expected early April '13 release date) This change in the definition will reduce the number of people mis-diagnosed. It also should re-catagorize Autistic people who do not meet the criteria, no doubt causing concerns for those in treatment (counseling mostly since there are no medications to 'fix' Autism). Obviously, the medical industry felt the need to clarify Autism Spectrum Disorder to help explain one possible reason for the spike in cases. This should significantly lower the rates across the world at first, (many countries are way above the US rates).

Personally, I believe it is genetic and not environmental or from vaccines, etc. Here is something that I learned about Autism... the higher functioning people are brilliant and use their intelligence to adapt, as best they can, to a situation. These are the cases that fool teachers and work mates and can delay a diagnosis if they get one at all (think Bill Gates). I can see why people would think it's a fad since it's all over the news, you hear of someone's kid who has it, etc, etc. but I don't see it that way because it is definitely NOT a label anyone would want for themselves or their children.

ADHD had medication that calmed hyper kids, helped with focus and grades, gave excuses for bad behavior, and overall made these energetic kids easier to live with. An ADHD diagnosis made life for teachers and parents easier which was a huge bonus. I've had people ask me how to get their child diagnosed, ask me for meds so they can get through a thesis, or an all nighter at work. ADHD became 'cool'. Oh and there is a market for ADHD meds on the street.

I see no benefits to an Autism diagnosis.... it can lessen college choices and chances, job options and a lot of social problems/stereo types come from it too. After a diagnosis of Autism, one hears from their doctor ..." go read this book and good luck, you can't change them, they will never grow out of it, there are no meds and they can live a normal life if they find something that interests them. They may stay home longer than average but can have relationships and even possibly marriage, eventually". WTF? What parent would want this "fad"?

Anyway......

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Must meet criteria A, B, C, and D:

A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across contexts, not accounted for by general developmental delays, and manifest by all 3 of the following:
1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity; ranging from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back and forth conversation through reduced sharing of interests, emotions, and affect and response to total lack of initiation of social interaction,
2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction; ranging from poorly integrated- verbal and nonverbal communication, through abnormalities in eye contact and body-language, or deficits in understanding and use of nonverbal communication, to total lack of facial expression or gestures.
3. Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships, appropriate to developmental level (beyond those with caregivers); ranging from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit different social contexts through difficulties in sharing imaginative play and in making friends to an apparent absence of interest in people
B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects; (such as simple motor stereotypies, echolalia, repetitive use of objects, or idiosyncratic phrases).
2. Excessive adherence to routines, ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior, or excessive resistance to change; (such as motoric rituals, insistence on same route or food, repetitive questioning or extreme distress at small changes).
3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus; (such as strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).
4. Hyper-or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment; (such as apparent indifference to pain/heat/cold, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, fascination with lights or spinning objects).
C. Symptoms must be present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities)
D. Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning.

Just FYI .... here is the ADHD (no longer called ADD) criteria.... (I've had this my entire life but wasn't diagnosed until adulthood)

Diagnostic Criteria for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The disorder consists of a characteristic pattern of behavior and cognitive functioning that is present in different settings where it gives rise to social and educational or work performance difficulties. The manifestations of the disorder and the difficulties that they cause are subject to gradual change being typically more marked during times when the person is studying or working and lessening during vacation.
Superimposed on these short-term changes are trends that may signal some deterioration or improvement with many symptoms becoming less common in adolescence. Although irritable outbursts are common, abrupt changes in mood lasting for days or longer are not characteristic of ADHD and will usually be a manifestation of some other distinct disorder.
In children and young adolescents, the diagnosis should be based on information obtained from parents and teachers. When direct teacher reports cannot be obtained, weight should be given to information provided to parents by teachers that describe the child’s behavior and performance at school. Examination of the patient in the clinician’s office may or may not be informative. For older adolescents and adults, confirmatory observations by third parties should be obtained whenever possible.

A. Either (1) and/or (2).
1. Inattention: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that impact directly on social and academic/occupational activities.Note: for older adolescents and adults (ages 17 and older), only 4 symptoms are required. The symptoms are not due to oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility, or a failure to understand tasks or instructions.
(a) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (for example, overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).
(b) Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (for example, has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or reading lengthy writings).
(c) Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).
(d) Frequently does not follow through on instructions (starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked, fails to finish schoolwork, household chores, or tasks in the workplace).
(e) Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities. (Has difficulty managing sequential tasks and keeping materials and belongings in order. Work is messy and disorganized. Has poor time management and tends to fail to meet deadlines.)
(f) Characteristically avoids, seems to dislike, and is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework or, for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers).
(g) Frequently loses objects necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school assignments, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, or mobile telephones).
(h) Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. (for older adolescents and adults may include unrelated thoughts.).
(i) Is often forgetful in daily activities, chores, and running errands (for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, and keeping appointments).

2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that impact directly on social and academic/occupational activities. Note: for older adolescents and adults (ages 17 and older), only 4 symptoms are required. The symptoms are not due to oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility, or a failure to understand tasks or instructions.
(a) Often fidgets or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
(b) Is often restless during activities when others are seated (may leave his or her place in the classroom, office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining seated).
(c) Often runs about or climbs on furniture and moves excessively in inappropriate situations. In adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless or confined.
(d) Is often excessively loud or noisy during play, leisure, or social activities.
(e) Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor.” Is uncomfortable being still for an extended time, as in restaurants, meetings, etc. Seen by others as being restless and difficult to keep up with.
(f) Often talks excessively.
(g) Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed. Older adolescents or adults may complete people’s sentences and “jump the gun” in conversations.
(h) Has difficulty waiting his or her turn or waiting in line.
(i) Often interrupts or intrudes on others (frequently butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission, adolescents or adults may intrude into or take over what others are doing).
(j) Tends to act without thinking, such as starting tasks without adequate preparation or avoiding reading or listening to instructions. May speak out without considering consequences or make important decisions on the spur of the moment, such as impulsively buying items, suddenly quitting a job, or breaking up with a friend.
(k) Is often impatient, as shown by feeling restless when waiting for others and wanting to move faster than others, wanting people to get to the point, speeding while driving, and cutting into traffic to go faster than others.
(l) Is uncomfortable doing things slowly and systematically and often rushes through activities or tasks.
(m) Finds it difficult to resist temptations or opportunities, even if it means taking risks (A child may grab toys off a store shelf or play with dangerous objects; adults may commit to a relationship after only a brief acquaintance or take a job or enter into a business arrangement without doing due diligence).
B. Several noticeable inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present by age 12.
C. The symptoms are apparent in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school or work, with friends or relatives, or in other activities).
D. There must be clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

Specify Based on Current Presentation
Combined Presentation: If both Criterion A1 (Inattention) and Criterion A2 (Hyperactivity-Impulsivity) are met for the past 6 months.
Predominately Inattentive Presentation: If Criterion A1 (Inattention) is met but Criterion A2 (Hyperactivity-Impulsivity) is not met and 3 or more symptoms from Criterion A2 have been present for the past 6 months.
Predominately Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation: If Criterion A2 (Hyperactivity-Impulsivity) is met and Criterion A1 (Inattention) is not met for the past 6 months.
Inattentive Presentation (Restrictive): If Criterion A1 (Inattention) is met but no more than 2 symptoms from Criterion A2 (Hyperactivity-Impulsivity) have been present for the past 6 months.

Can you tell I've obsessed over this topic?

[Grin]

Your insights and research have helped me better understand Autism Hockey, thanks.

[Tralee]

Hockey, Thanks for the information, I think it confirmed what I thought although much better said.