[allmendream]

The biggest single reason I have seen for the “increase” in autism, is that the government offered extra money for “autistic” children, so the criteria for what it took to be “autistic” was watered down such that many who would previously been diagnosed (if at all) with “autistic tendencies” now are diagnosed with full blown autism.

Autism has existed from the beginning of humanity, it is most likely the far end of a continuum with most normal people in the middle, the artsy fartsy flake at one end, and the rigid autistic at the other end.

[MeanWestTexan]

“The biggest single reason I have seen for the “increase” in autism, is that the government offered extra money for “autistic” children”

WE HAVE A WINNER.

[svcw]

And we have a winner!

[autumnraine]

I think what they call “autism”, we used to just call “slow”.

Like that boy is “slow”, or a “simpleton”. Not completely mentally retarded to the point that they couldn’t function, just needed extra help or longer to learn.

Now if they aren’t talking in full sentences by three, they are diagnosing them it seems.

Not an expert, just an observation and not to say there aren’t truly autistic people. Just wondered what the rate of increase is compared to the criteria being broadened.