Is There an “Epidemic” of Autism?

For several decades now, the diagnosis of “autism” — more accurately, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — has been made more frequently. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why this is, but it is likely that several factors play a role, the presence of which does not necessarily mean that the number of autistic individuals is truly increasing. Therefore, the rise in autism prevalence is not necessarily a reason to claim the existence of a hidden “epidemic,” especially since this is a condition in which an epidemic is impossible.

There are several key reasons for the statistical rise in autism numbers:

Improved Diagnosis and Increased Awareness

• This is perhaps the main reason, as autism diagnosis is becoming more refined. Diagnostic criteria are expanding, and modern diagnostic guidelines such as DSM-5 cover an increasingly wider range of symptoms. As a result, many patients who were previously not considered autistic are now being diagnosed with the condition.
• Increased awareness of autism also plays a role. Educational efforts have paid off — parents, doctors, and teachers now have more information about the symptoms of the disorder, and as a result, they seek help more quickly. In addition, timely autism diagnosis allows for identification at an earlier age and the start of intervention, which increases its effectiveness.

Changes in Medical and Social Approaches

• Previously, many cases might have been classified as other disorders (e.g., intellectual disabilities or behavioral problems), but today they are diagnosed as ASD.
• Not only in medical but also in social terms, it is important that these individuals are no longer considered outcasts. When noticing behavioral issues in themselves or their relatives, they are more likely to seek autism diagnosis. However, autism is not always identified in such cases.

Improved Healthcare Services

• In developed countries, the implementation of various programs has made medical care more accessible, which has enabled the identification of ASD in more children.

Environmental and Social Factors

• There are hypotheses about the influence of certain environmental causes (e.g., environmental pollution, diet, parental age, etc.). However, there is still insufficient evidence that these factors directly cause autism and contribute to the rise in prevalence.
• The demographic picture has also changed. Specifically, the increasing age of parents, particularly fathers, may affect the likelihood of having a child with ASD. Naturally, the number of autistic individuals is indeed rising because of this factor.

Population Growth and Increased Statistical Accuracy

• Although in many countries, especially developed ones, birth rates are declining, the population is growing, and it is not surprising that the number of autistic individuals is also increasing. Moreover, advancements in data collection methods have allowed for more effective identification of autism cases, but this does not yet indicate a real increase in prevalence.
• Therefore, in most cases, the rise in the number of autistic individuals is linked to changes in diagnostics and reporting rather than an actual increase in prevalence. Fortunately, methods for correcting this disorder are also improving. In addition to the previously existing methods, new ones are emerging, with many specialists considering stem cell therapy to be the most promising.

The implantation of the patient’s own stem cells allows for a fast, effective, and safe approach to treating the condition itself, rather than merely addressing its symptoms. This method is being increasingly used in leading clinics worldwide. One such clinic is the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, where autism is successfully treated in both children and adults.

Contact the clinic staff and see for yourself!