When I was growing up, of course then they did not diagnose the disorder, but the behavior of the children with autism is striking enough to know it when you see it, and I do not remember any kids acting like that. I grew up in a small town and we pretty much knew many many of the families and the kids. No kids like that.
I believe there must be an increase in the disorder and it’s troubling.
I have been thinking of this also coming from a small community. We all went to the same church, one school, first grade through twelfth grade and can’t think of one kid who could be considered autistic. Additionally, there weren’t any overweight kids either.