Yes, autism is more commonly diagnosed today than it was 20 years ago but that doesn’t mean more people are developing autism.
The rise in autism rates is mostly due to better awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and improved screening tools. In the past, many children who would now be diagnosed with autism may have been misdiagnosed or overlooked entirely.
Today, doctors and educators are more equipped to recognize early signs of autism , especially in children with milder symptoms or those who were historically underdiagnosed—like girls and children of color.
This increase in diagnoses means more children are getting the support they need early, which is a good thing. Services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can make a meaningful difference in helping children develop communication, social, and life skills.
At Connect n Care ABA , we provide compassionate, in-home ABA therapy throughout North Carolina, helping families navigate autism with clarity and confidence.
Have questions about autism or early signs you’re seeing in your child? Contact us today for a free consultation and get the support your family deserves.
SOURCES:
https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/features/autism-rise
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/autism-rates-in-children-reach-new-highs-experts-explain-why
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/autism-rates-rising-more-prevalent-versus-more-screening-rcna67408
https://theconversation.com/do-more-children-have-autism-now-than-before-4497
https://www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you/why-do-autism-diagnoses-seem-more-common-now
