Why autism cases have risen so much since the 90s and 3 common myths to ignore
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, has been a topic in the news a lot recently, yet the complex neurological condition remains widely misunderstood.Autism is a difference in how someone’s brain works that shapes how they interact with the world.Clinically, it’s a disorder that affects brain development and causes social communication and behavioral differences.
With such a wide range of traits, autism truly is a spectrum.Gaining a deeper understanding of these nuances is key.We address some common myths and offer guidance on supporting children and families after a diagnosis. There is no single known cause of autism.
Given its complexity and the wide range of symptoms, it’s likely that multiple factors contribute.This neurodevelopmental difference is something children are born with — it has nothing to do with parenting style, vaccines or foods.Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the risk of developing autism.
When we say autism is genetic, we mean that variations in certain genes can influence how a baby’s brain develops.These variations may occur spontaneously or be inherited from family members.For example, if one child in a family is diagnosed with autism, the chances increase that a sibling may also be diagnosed.Certain factors may raise the likelihood of autism, including advanced parental age, infections during pregnancy, birth complications, having a premature baby or one with lower-than-expected fetal growth, or taking certain medications while pregnant.Having a risk factor does not mean a child will develop autism.
These factors increase susceptibility, not certainty.In the 1990s, 1 in 1,000 individuals was diagnosed with autism.Today, it’s closer to 1 in 31.
The rise is largely due to greater awareness, improved screening and updated diagnostic criteria.Clinicians are now more skilled at recognizing early signs, sometimes as early as 12 to 18 months, through play-based assessments and structured p...