Latter Day Sinner

Aspiring to Sainthood

The Prevalence of Autism

I was having a conversation with a friend who works primarily with disability advocacy and bureaucracy. We were discussing the rise in autism diagnoses. The prevalence of autism has become much higher. Or has it? The diagnostic criteria has changed significantly in the past twenty years. So have the incentives for testing. Are we really seeing more autism or are we just seeing more people being categorized on the spectrum? I think in the end the goalposts have moved too much to answer questions like mine definitively. With autism policy in the USA up in the air as it usually is I hope that our representatives don’t rush ahead on poor data and incentives. I can hope anyway.

Mark

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2 responses to “The Prevalence of Autism”

  1. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    The goal posts have changed.

    I think some autism is caused by additives in our food. This is not to say it is anyone’s fault or that an autistic person can fix their issues. These substances are ubiquitous. Buying pure food is expensive and often impossible.

    And it is also quite clear some people can eat anything they want and be fine. My husband could eat a serving of red 40 with a side of MSG and be fine. It would take me out for days with my nerves being screwed up. 🙂 I would probably have to head to the ER.

    These are just my thoughts. I know there are lots of disagreements about this subject.

    What are your thoughts? Have you heard of or tried keto?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mark Avatar
      Mark

      I am on the spectrum and Stephanie is spectrum adjacent. We didn’t know that until our kids started getting diagnoses. There are things I’ve been doing all my life that I suddenly had names to describe them. My mom called scripting “diarrhea of the mouth.” I would hit my head on walls and no one would stop me. I needed deep pressure but no one even had the word to describe it. And I didn’t realize I was allergic to Red #40 until I was an adult. So many mental health issues were contingent on avoiding synthetic dyes. I’m still pretty picky about food for sensory reasons but my diet is healthier now that we can afford it.

      Liked by 1 person