Is Autism on the Rise, or Are Cases Just Being Reported Better?

They used to estimate that 1 in 110 children in the U.S. had autism. Now the rate has increased to 1 in 88. However, reports seem to indicate that the rise is due to better screening and reporting of the condition. It is entirely possible there were always 1 in 88 children affected, but we never knew it until we got the systems in place to test and diagnose kids more efficiently.

Those who advocate for autism research claim this revised number means there is now an epidemic of the condition in the country and therefore more funds should be directed toward research and more services should be provided for those diagnosed. Certainly, the revised estimates are bringing more attention to autism.

The numbers are pretty astonishing. Over the last few years, each new set of studies has resulted in an increase in the estimated number of children with autism. This new estimate means that autism is almost twice as common as they previously thought only five years ago. That means that about one million children in the U.S. are likely affected.

So while it is true that more widespread screening and better methods of diagnosis are contributing to the increase in the numbers, this only reveals a situation that was already there. The fact that there are so many more children than first thought who are affected by autism means that many more people will benefit from increased research and services. Let’s hope these children and their families all get the help they need.