Hidden Factors Behind the Rise of Autism Diagnoses: Awareness, Criteria & More

Hidden Factors Behind the Rise of Autism

The number of children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased significantly over the last few decades, leading to much debate within the medical and educational communities as well as among families about the potential causes of this increase in the incidence of autism. While many people believe that autism itself has increased in prevalence, multiple studies have shown that the increase in the number of people diagnosed with ASD is due to a multitude of factors, including changing medical practices, changing social norms, changing environmental conditions, and improvements in diagnostic criteria.

Understanding these hidden factors will be important in encouraging early intervention for individuals affected by ASD and supporting individuals on the spectrum.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ASD is seen as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to view their environment, how they communicate with others and how they socially interact with other people. ASD usually begins in early childhood and persists throughout a person's lifetime. It can affect a person's ability to learn, communicate verbally, socialize, and process sensory information. The reason that the term "spectrum" is used to describe ASD is that the symptoms of ASD manifest in different ways, and no two individuals experiencing ASD have identical symptoms.

Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit differences in social communication, nonverbal communication, relationship-building, and changes in routine. While many individuals may possess an extraordinary ability to focus on detail, find interest in specific topics, or be adept at memory, art, math, or technology, some will need more assistance than others with daily living activities.

Why Do Autism Diagnoses Appear to Be Increasing?

The recent increase in reported autism diagnoses has caused some to question whether there is an increased prevalence of autism. However, many experts believe that this increase is more attributable to changes made to the way autism is defined, diagnosed, and documented in the past than it is to an increase in actual cases of autism. Seeing the evolution of these factors clarifies that this increase is a measure of improvement in the identification and assistance provided to people with ASDs and is not necessarily a measure of an actual increase in the number of people with ASDs.

• Greater Awareness: One of the biggest reasons for the increase in diagnoses is awareness. Parents, teachers, and health care professionals are becoming more aware of the early signs of development, such as delays in talking, being very sensitive to sensory objects, and having trouble with social communication. As a result, earlier identification creates more identified cases.
• Expansion of Diagnostic Criteria: The guidelines for diagnosis have been broadened over the years to include many more ways someone can present themselves. In the past, only those individuals at the end of the spectrum would have ever been diagnosed, and anyone else with milder traits would have been missed. However, the latest trend includes the latter category of children as well.
• Change in Social Environment: Researchers are still working to determine if there is any interaction between the prenatal environment and the postnatal biological environment that may affect the development of an ASD. Many researchers agree that while these areas are not necessarily the causes of autism, they are the ongoing focus of scientific research. Many researchers also contend that autism is highly genetic and involves multiple factors that influence the development of autism, but there is no single cause of autism.
• Reduction in Misdiagnosis: With respect to the reduction in misdiagnosis rates, conditions such as speech & language delay, attention disorder, or intellectual disability were being incorporated into a separate disease rather than looking at them with an inclusive eye for the diagnosis of ASD. Lately, our understanding of autism has led to more accurate diagnoses through different symptoms, as mentioned above.
• Improved Distinction Between Conditions: Improved clinical knowledge allows the differentiation of autism, including providing an opportunity to clearly identify the differences between language disorders, ADHD, and learning disabilities while reducing the chance of a misdiagnosis and improving the way that these diagnoses are made.

The Positive Side of Increased Diagnosis

Even though the increasing number of diagnoses may appear to be very concerning, it is really an indicator of progress in multiple aspects. The bright side of increased diagnosis is mentioned below with the assistance of multiple pointers.

• Children who are diagnosed earlier have access to early assistance and therapy.
• Schools have a greater capacity to provide inclusive education.
• Society is becoming more accepting of neurodiversity.
• People can have a better understanding of their abilities and challenges at an early age.
• Increased diagnosis at an earlier age will provide significant improvement in communication, independence, and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with autism.

Conclusion

The increase in the population with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been attributed mainly to progressions in the awareness of autism as a disability; the development of a more inclusive diagnostic criteria; and the availability of healthcare services to those with autism. The focus on and provision of early intervention services, inclusive education, and ongoing research will allow society to create environments in which individuals on the autism spectrum can develop their gifts and lead meaningful lives.

Anyone considering a career in the healthcare or allied sciences should have an understanding of Developmental Disabilities (DD), as these types of conditions will continue to shape the future of healthcare. DPMI (Delhi Paramedical & Management Institute) is a recognised educational institute for those who seek careers in healthcare. DPMI provides industry-relevant education, experiential learning, and expert mentoring to help students prepare for success in the modern-day healthcare delivery systems.

Take your first step toward developing a fulfilling career focused on caring for patients, providing quality care, and enhancing the health of your community by becoming a student at DPMI.