”seems” … “may” ….Changes in the diagnostic criteria and increased screening at wellness visits seem to be the main contributors. There have been a few studies over the past two years that have looked at a specific subgroup of individuals on the spectrum who frequently need 24-hour-a-day support and care from a caregiver, often have very limited verbal communication skills, or have intellectual disability that co-occurs with autism.
The data has shown that rates of autism for that subgroup have increased minimally, if at all, over the past nearly 10 years.
Rates have increased the most for individuals who are not in that subgroup, who may have more subtle phenotypes and fewer significant co-occurring conditions. We think this is most likely due to our ability to identify these subtle traits and symptoms better.
Some real certainty there. Smells like bullshit to those that can think critically.
Hope this helps.
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