Were There No Autistics in the Past? And Other Autism Myths

It is often claimed that autism is a new diagnosis that never existed before. This information is completely inaccurate. Both 20 and 100 years ago, there were just as many children with autism as there are today. The difference was that at that time, diagnostic capabilities were limited, and the public’s awareness of such a diagnosis was much lower. Children with severe forms of autism were given other diagnoses, and children with mild forms were simply considered “strange” without being examined by specialists.

Why Does It Seem to Many That Autism Didn’t Exist in the Past?

• Low Diagnostic Levels: In the past, autism might not have been recognized or was misdiagnosed. Today, specialists better understand the spectrum of disorders and can identify them at earlier stages.
• Expanded Definition: Over time, the definition of autism has changed and become broader. Now, the spectrum includes various forms and degrees of severity.
• Increased Awareness: People are more aware of autism, leading families to seek help and diagnosis more frequently.
• Social and Cultural Changes: Changes in society, such as better access to medical services, may also influence the number of diagnosed cases.

Why Was the Diagnosis of Autism Made Much Less Often in the Past?

In 1998, a gastroenterologist named Andrew Wakefield mistakenly suggested that autistic enterocolitis was directly linked to the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Later, co-authors of his paper distanced themselves from this view, and Wakefield was criticized by colleagues.

In the 1970s in the United States, autism was diagnosed in 1 in 10,000 cases, whereas now it is approximately 1 in 100 children. The reason for this difference is that before the 1980s, parents had to show their child to 8-10 specialists to get a diagnosis of “autism.” These expenses were often not covered by insurance, so only families with above-average incomes could afford it. Now, the situation has fundamentally changed, which is why the number of children diagnosed with autism has sharply increased.

What Are the True Causes of Autism?

The true causes of autism, supported by scientific evidence, are still unknown in modern medicine. However, there are several hypothesized causes that are currently under active research:

• Genetic Factors: Studies show that autism may have a genetic predisposition. Children with a family history of autism are at a higher risk of developing the disorder.
• Neurobiological Factors: Changes in the structure and function of the brain may be linked to autism. Some studies point to abnormalities in certain brain areas.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental influences, such as toxins, infections during pregnancy, or unfavorable conditions, may also be related to an increased risk of autism.
• Adverse Pregnancy Factors: Conditions such as premature birth, low birth weight, and complications during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of developing autism.

Stem Cell Transplantation – An Innovative Autism Therapy

The Mardaleishvili Medical Center in Georgia has successfully implemented an innovative therapy for childhood autism using stem cells. Donor stem cells or the child’s own bone marrow cells help overcome the core traits of autism and provide a significant boost for development. After stem cell transplantation, new neural connections in the brain are formed, which helps trigger speech development and facilitates the child’s socialization.

Learn more about the procedure from the specialists at the medical center!