Autism is soaring and the medicalization of misbehavior bears blame
Two weeks ago, a team of American researchers published a major report documenting an astonishing rise in the diagnosis of autism.In just over ten years, between 2011 and 2022, the investigators found that annual autism diagnoses tripled among children 5 to 8 years of age, with smaller but still substantial increases among older age groups.How come? The researchers offered no explanation.Autism is a spectrum.
On one end you may have an individual who is profoundly impaired, nonverbal, barely functioning.On the other end, you have Temple Grandin, a best-selling author and animal scientist.Elon Musk has diagnosed himself as being on the autism spectrum, and who am I to question Elon Musk?The rise in diagnosis appears to be occurring all across the spectrum.
Experts have suggested many possible causes.Exposure to endocrine disruptors, substances that mimic the action of female hormones, has been linked to a higher risk of autism, as has exposure to other environmental toxins.But the preferred answer from mainstream clinicians is that increased awareness and improved screening, as well as the simplification of the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder which took place in 2013, are the main drivers of the increase in diagnosis.I’m not buying it.I have been a family doctor for more than 30 years.
OK, maybe increased awareness and screening have played a role, and without a doubt the 2013 changes in the rules for diagnosis do make it easier to say that a kid is on the autism spectrum.But my first-hand experience tells me that something else, something big, is being overlooked.Here is my take on what’s happening.Imagine an 8-year-old boy who is defiant.
He’s rude.Disrespectful.
He talks back.Twenty years ago, the boy’s teacher would have spoken to the parents.The teacher would have said, “Your son’s behavior is totally unacceptable.
I need you to teach your son what is expected, the basics of what’s required in a public school classroom.”Now...