Current Trend in Autism Diagnoses
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the prevalence of autism gradually increased between 2000 and 2018 in the United States (US) from 1 in 150 in the year 2000 to 1 in 44 by 2018.
Some people suggest that these numbers are due to overdiagnosis, while others believe that the current rates represent people who were undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the past. However, there are several additional factors that may be contributing to this shift.
Potential Reasons Why Autism Is Diagnosed More Often Now
There are various factors to consider in relation to the current diagnosis rates of autism. These include:
- A better understanding of autism spectrum disorder – A study published in 2019, in which researchers reviewed data from over 27,000 people, showed that the major differences that were previously observed between autistic and non-autistic people have gradually decreased over time.
These findings indicate that more people with severe as well as mild symptoms of autism are being given an accurate diagnosis.
- Diagnostic criteria for autism have expanded – Advances in research have led to a better understanding and clearer definition of autism. This has undoubtedly led to broader diagnostic criteria that include a wider range of autistic traits as well as other mental conditions that now fall under the spectrum. For example, the following conditions are included under the definition of autism spectrum disorder:
- Asperger's syndrome
- Rett syndrome
- Kanner's syndrome
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
- Pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified
The inclusion of additional conditions has expanded access to support (e.g., therapy, health care programs) for children with special needs who were previously ineligible for certain services due to having different diagnoses.
- Children are being diagnosed earlier – Previously, autism was commonly diagnosed in school-aged children, but broader diagnostic criteria provide an accurate assessment of preschool-aged children who may have autism. An accurate diagnosis at an early age is a critical factor that can have a strong influence on long-term outcomes for children with autism.
Research consistently shows that early detection, diagnosis, and intervention for autism have positive, lasting impacts on symptoms. Early intervention can also influence language skills and social behavior during adolescence and adulthood.
- Increased parent and caregiver awareness – As parents, caregivers, and other members of the community gain a better understanding of autism, they can become powerful advocates for their children or loved ones who have autism. Although receiving a proper autism diagnosis improves access to available services (e.g., behavioral therapy), parents and caregivers play an active role in a child’s participation in such programs.
Due to increased childhood research, funding, specialized schools, and effective therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), parents are also more willing and motivated to speak with specialists who can provide their children with accurate diagnoses. Furthermore, some therapeutic programs are specifically designed for children with autism and will only allow them to participate if they are given this particular diagnosis.
- Autism may have been underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the past – The current diagnosis rates may reflect a more accurate picture of autism prevalence. Milder forms of autism that were previously overlooked are now more likely identified due to improved diagnostic tests.
Furthermore, it is easier for some children to mask a mild form of language or social impairment than others. Masking refers to a child’s ability to hide behaviors that are characteristic of certain conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism. The purpose of masking is to be socially accepted and build strong relationships.
Advancements in diagnostic testing include questionnaires that help identify children or even adolescents who may have been masking their symptoms. This is another possible reason why autism diagnosis rates are gradually increasing.
Overall, drastic changes in the screening and diagnostic process for autism have contributed to increased diagnosis rates. This shift gives more children a chance to quickly receive services that become essential for their daily functioning and quality of life. A child who is properly diagnosed stands to gain much more than one who is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Conclusion
During recent years, the rate of autism diagnoses has increased and this has led to the question of whether autism is being overdiagnosed in the US. An in-depth look at research shows that increased awareness of this disorder and improved diagnostic criteria has resulted in higher diagnosis rates. These findings indicate that this condition is not being overdiagnosed and instead suggest that many cases were being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed in the past.
The increased diagnosis rates also mean that more children who have autism have access to beneficial treatment services. Since early diagnosis and intervention promotes the most optimal outcomes, what may appear as an overdiagnosis is indeed an opportunity for more children to receive the support they need, as access to effective services is generally limited or unavailable to those who do not have a proper diagnosis.
Songbird Therapy is a technology-enabled provider setting a higher standard for children’s autism care. With a deeply passionate team and innovative technology, we’re building a world where every child can access world-class care at home, uniquely tailored to them.
