Is Autism Increasing? Causes, Screening and Common Misconceptions

As more American children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) each year, parents often have important questions about what autism is, what causes it and how it affects their child’s future. We asked Dr. Sarah Palmer, a pediatrician with Community Physician Network and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to address some of the most common questions parents ask about autism.

What Causes Autism?

There’s still a lot we don’t know about autism, and we’re learning more every year. Here’s what we know so far about how autism spectrum disorder develops.

• Autism has a genetic component. We know this because when one child in a family is autistic, siblings have a higher likelihood of also being on the spectrum. Genetic testing can help with early detection.
• Environmental factors may play a role: The medical community suspects that prenatal environmental factors also play a part.
• Boys are four times as likely to develop autism. They’re also diagnosed earlier on than girls.

If you’re the parent of a young child, keep an eye on developmental milestones. Autism Speaks has put together a helpful roadmap to help you understand the early signs of autism, and how to find support.

“Your pediatrician at Community will do a developmental test during your 9-12-month visit, and a specific autism screening at the 18-month or 2-year mark. But it’s never too early to ask questions,” says Dr. Palmer.

Is Autism on the Rise?

In 2014, the CDC reported that one in 68 children was on the autism spectrum, a 30% increase over 2008. Today that number is closer to one in 31.

While it might look like autism is on the rise, the reality is a bit more complicated. “Autism is a spectrum, and one that’s much broader than originally thought,” Dr. Palmer explains. “We’re getting better at diagnosing children at different points on that spectrum.”

Children who may receive a mild autism diagnosis today might not have been perceived to be on the spectrum at all in 2014 or 2008. It’s not so much that there are more autistic people today — it’s that we’re better at recognizing them and connecting them with the resources they need to live a fulfilling life.

And one important note from Dr. Palmer: “A diagnosis of autism doesn’t change who your child is. It’s not a limitation. It just helps us understand how we can best support them now and throughout their life.”

Is There a Link Between Autism and Vaccines?

Short answer: no. There is no scientific evidence linking childhood vaccines to autism.

“It’s understandable to have questions!” says Dr. Palmer. “Vaccines are one of the first significant medical events in your child’s life, so it’s natural to be hesitant. But you can rest assured, there’s no link at all between vaccines and autism.”

The dangerous misconception that vaccines cause autism has been around for years and relies on debunked science and misinformation:

• In 1998, an infamous article by a British physician suggested a link between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• It was later discovered that the physician’s research was falsified.
• The article was retracted, the physician was struck from the UK medical register, and his study was categorically debunked.
• Other research studies have studied millions of children and found absolutely no correlation between vaccines and autism.

This misconception is often fueled by timing. Many childhood vaccinations occur during the first three years of life, the same period when early signs of autism typically become noticeable. Although these events happen around the same time, they are completely unrelated.

If you have questions about autism or your child’s development, Community Health Network’s pediatricians are here to help. Find a partner for your child’s health with our simple Find A Doctor tool.