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Loading...Autism: More Common Than We Thought?
- Megan, selected from Mother Nature Network
- May 11, 2011
- 4:03 pm
- 86 comments
By Jenn Savedge, MNN
There is no doubt that the number of children diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically over the last few years. Is it because more children are actually autistic or is it because teachers and parents are simply better at detecting the signs and symptoms of the disorder? Probably a combination of both.
Considering the Cause of Autism
Recently, a group of researchers set about to determine just how prevalent autism is in our modern society. Their results were shocking, even to them. The international team of investigators from the U.S., South Korea and Canada evaluated 55,000 children in Goyang, South Korea, and found the prevalence of autism to be 2.64 percent — or about one in every 38 children.
The biggest difference between this study and similar autism studies is that the researchers evaluated all school children — not just those who were already flagged as having potential for behavioral or academic problems.
Read more: Health, News & Issues, autism
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Megan, selected from Mother Nature Network
Mother Nature Network's mission is to help you improve your world. From covering the latest news on health, science, sustainable business practices and the latest trends in eco-friendly technology, MNN.com strives to give you the accurate, unbiased information you need to improve your world locally, globally, and personally – all in a distinctive thoughtful, straightforward, and fun style.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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86 comments
+ add your own'Epidemic of autism'?
."The autism “epidemic” is set to spread further starting in May 2013, when the next revision of the diagnostic manual (DSM 5) will be published. The DSM 5 definition of an “autistic spectrum” will cast an even wider net, capturing many people now considered to be normal or to have another disorder.... During the past two decades, child Psychiatry has already provoked three fads -- a tripling of Attention Deficit Disorder, a more than 20-times increase in Autistic Disorder, and a 40-times increase in childhood Bipolar Disorder"
Dr. Allen Frances, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, in Psychiatry for 46 years
"We currently have a manufactured epidemic of psychological disorders, and the drug industry is at least partly to blame." Dr. Joanna Moncrief, Psychiatrist
"...there is a huge potential for many unusual kids to fall under this umbrella (of diagnosing 'early risk syndromes') and carry this label for the rest of their lives" Dr. David First, Psychiatrist
thanks for the information
interesting... thanks!
I think it's a little unethical to be diagnosing such young children - especially if they are only showing traits. If it's barely visible then there's every chance it will self-correct. In addition, many traits can be brought about by many other factors than autism. Is true autism common? Oh yes. But it's very difficult for an on-looker to identify what social dynamics are at play, so making a medical or psychiatric diagnosis based on such situations is questionable in my mind.
thank you for this article. i am taking part in a volunteering scheme for children with autism under five years old next week and prior to this my knowledge of autism was quite non-existant. i am excited and enthused to start the scheme next week to try and change at least one child's life if i can through interaction and social techniques.
Joyce may be right.
very sad
thank you for this article
thank you for this article
& thank you for this great article, & everyone for sharing their personal experiences, ideas, opinions, questions, & every comment which spreads the awareness & shares the care!
The incidence of autism is growing, we must identify & so all we can to isolate, & counter, the cause, & identify all those factors that exacerbate this condition (& alzheimers, parkinsons, cancer) & stop the escalation of these debilitating diseases.
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