Autism Spectrum Disorder Homepage

Question: This there really an autism spectrum disorder epidemic?

(Posted by: Proud Mommy! on 2009-10-06 12:53:03)

Ok so yesterday on austismspeaks.org i read that from parental interviews 1 and 91 children in America are diagnosed with Autism. This is shocking because previously it was 1 and 150 children in America. Is it possible that autism is on a dangerous rise in our country? If so what does this mean for America's future adults?

Posted by: Susas on 2009-10-06, 13:30:47

Actually it is 1/ 100 according to the CDC and I don't believe it. I think it is still more like 1/ 150. It depends what you count as autism. Kanner's is probably still 4/ 1000. Don't read autismspeaks.org! They are deceiving scaremongers. They do not represent autistic interests. "A dangerous rise " is not an appropriate phrase. Furthermore, their "I am Autism " campaign was very hurtful to the very individuals and families they are suppossed to help. Autistic individuals are not the same. It is not necessarily tragic if you have an autistic child.

Posted by: jordan walker on 2009-10-06, 13:04:59

Probably autistic spectum makes people think differently i have it and i found out the hard way: i was doing drill and i could start off on the left leg and right hand out but when it came to the a-bout turn on the march you go out on the right leg and left arm out and i had trouble with this bit because i was going out on my left half the time and out on my right leg and monkey marching for the other half the time. it took me a long time to get used to it.

Posted by: Simon W on 2009-10-06, 13:10:53

I don't think more people have autism, just that more get diagnosed with it, lots of children who are different get diagnosed with aspergers.

Posted by: Spokane Girl on 2009-10-06, 17:19:46

More people have became aware so more and more kids are being diagnosed. Back then, they weren't diagnosed because the spectrum wasn't really recognized then and less kids were being diagnosed. There are many undiagnosed adults out there. I read that 80% of autistic adults are self diagnosed with Aspergers.