[Tax-chick]

There are causative factors and we aren't finding them.

Freemasons are poisoning the water supply?

Seriously, it is not even clear that there is an absolute increase, or whether it's just labeling: a person who would once have been called "a bit weird" or "very awkward" is now "Autism Spectrum."

It could be that the "causative factor" is as simple as the State and Federal money that pours into government schools for every child on whom they can put a "special needs" label.

[stanne]

You don’t know kids wth autism. Talk to themselves, bang their head against the wall, never talk, never smile don’t know their name kids

I never knew anyone like that growing up. I know eight of them in my close circle.

You might think you know what you’re talking about but no

[Neoliberalnot]

Seriously, it is not even clear that there is an absolute increase, or whether it’s just labeling: a person who would once have been called “a bit weird” or “very awkward” is now “Autism Spectrum.””

Good point. Yes, relabeling is pointed out by the Mayo clinic.

[MD Expat in PA]

The nail on the head, you hit :)

[redangus]

May not be far off. I have a friend who has two Autistic children. One severely, totally non verbal with motor skill issues and a daughter who is semi verbal, has no motor skill issues and test out above average IQ. Her friends include two families with kids on the spectrum who are in college. I’m not convinced there is a connection between her son and her friends’ son and daughter.

I will take issue with one thing though. While there may be money for research, the money for the families and schooling/treatment is very limited at least in Indiana. It is a huge financial burden on the families dealing with this.

[Hammerhead]

“Seriously, it is not even clear that there is an absolute increase, or whether it’s just labeling: a person who would once have been called “a bit weird” or “very awkward” is now “Autism Spectrum.””

So they changed, ‘weird’ to an actual medical diagnosis which requires intensive testing both mental and physical before the diagnosis is made.

So what’s your point?

[VRW Conspirator]

Seriously, it is not even clear that there is an absolute increase, or whether it's just labeling...

Bingo. The "qualifications" were broadened after the initial uproar about vaccines. Naturally, the number of diagnoses increased. Follow the money. Global warming is caused by government grants.

[goodnesswins]

"It could be that the "causative factor" is as simple as the State and Federal money that pours into government schools for every child on whom they can put a "special needs" label."

We have a friend who worked with "special need" kids in an Oregon school district....for each kid, the district got $6000 per month. He said, whenever they asked for something, the district would Jump, and ask how HIGH...