Not scientific at all, but something that came into my mind... What if the increase in these new issues is the result of babies and children being separated from their mothers while riding in cars? They have to ride in a back seat facing away from their parents, don’t they? (I’m not a parent, so this is just what I’ve heard.) Not having that feeling of security, especially on long road trips, might lead to social dysfunction and emotional problems similar to separation anxiety. Probably crazy, but a thought. Seems that ADD, ADHD, Autism became more prevalent as laws to “protect” kids became more intrusive.
>> “Seems that ADD, ADHD, Autism became more prevalent as laws to “protect” kids became more intrusive.” <<
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Could easily be a part; it dehumanizes the infant through reduced socialization.