Explaining The Increase: Factors contributing to the increase in Autism numbers.

According to the most recent report by the CDC, 1 in 36 children have been identified as Autistic. Before that, they thought we were 1 in 44, and when I found out I was Autistic less than ten years ago, they were saying it was 1 in 59.

There Aren’t MORE Autistic People – We Know More

To the untrained eye, this may look as if there are “more Autistic People than ever.” However, in reality, Autistic People have always been here.

There aren’t “more Autistic People” on earth all of a sudden; we have more Autistic People BEING IDENTIFIED now (thanks to a few factors – increased awareness, understanding, and screening).

One myth I have seen online (that completely ignores the data) is that the rising prevalence of Autism is due to “social contagion” and people self-identifying “after hearing about Autism on Facebook or TikTok.” However, the most recent estimate provided by the CDC is based on studying FORMALLY DIAGNOSED 8-year-olds who are not self-identified and are also technically too young to be on social media (because every platform I checked requires people to be at least 13). 

Can somebody PLEASE explain to me how “late diagnosed and self-identified Autistic adults” translates to “formally diagnosed 8-year-olds”???

Oh, wait! It DOESN’T!

The CDC Data we use to determine Autism prevalence historically has always focused on children, meaning late identified Autistic People and Autistic adults aren’t even considered in the data. Therefore social media and Autistic Adults can’t be held responsible for the increase in the diagnosis of 8-year-olds (UNLESS they are taking their 8-year-olds in for screening, which wouldn’t be a bad thing). 

I’ve also seen people claiming that the increase in Autism prevalence is due to our increased awareness and understanding of Autism, which is partially true.

The full post is available for my paid subscribers on Patreon, Substack, and Facebook (in the top secret subscriber FB group).

To receive new posts (like this one) delivered directly to your inbox 2-3 times each week (and support my work), please consider becoming a subscriber. 

I’m creating a new community on Substack, and I hope you’ll join me as a free member (but I also have paid subscriptions that are only $5/month – less if you subscribe annually if you want access to bonus content).

FREE subscribers on Substack get content, too! Everyone gets something (because I believe education should be accessible).

*Patreon members and Facebook Subscribers ALSO got access to THIS post.

In addition to Substack (because I STRONGLY believe educational resources should be affordable), I also offer discounted subscriptions on Patreon. On Patreon, I always offer a pay-what-you-can subscription (starting at $1 a month – less when you subscribe annually).

Both Substack and Patreon offer a free one-week trial on paid subscriptions. If it’s not for you, you can cancel at any time with no obligation.

The NeuroDivergent Rebel Blog is a reader-supported publication. Without the help of my readers, free resources LIKE THIS ONE wouldn’t be possible.

To receive new posts (like this one) and support my work, I ask that you please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber on Patreon, Facebook, or Substack.

If you’re low on funds, you can also help support my work by sharing this post.

It would mean a lot to me,

– Lyric