Thanks for all the quick replies.
I agree partly.
It does seem like maybe the Authorities have come up with new names and applied them to a lot of folks who were always with us.
But, it still seems that there are many more cases of both conditions nowadays.
I could be wrong. But the autism thing seems to be far in excess of the number of “slow” kids back in my Paleolithic Age grammar school days. And, my Lord they’ve got zillions of people locked up or housed in special places (not to even mention all those at home) for “Alzheimers” -—
It just SEEMS that the number of cases of these conditions far exceed when I was young.
I may be cynical but the whole “special education” crew has become a self-sustaining economic force.
Another factor to keep in mind is that 40 or 50 years ago, the entire earth was less populated. Today’s population is proportionally larger in almost every aspect and in every sub group, which no doubt includes formally diagnosed autistic people. Also, there is the internet, allowing knowledge to twitter across the globe 24/7. No more Pony Express needed.
I have read articles that there is a connection between autism and gubmint required early childhood vaccinations. I have no idea if there is or not, but the people who study this do make compelling arguments.