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Is the huge rise in autism diagnoses really good news?
It may just be a sign of expanding diagnostic boundaries
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Thursday 21st August 2025 |
The Guardian questions the exponential rise in autism diagnoses, which has seen the figure increase from one in 2,500 children 80 years ago to one in 36 today.
While acknowledging that greater awareness and understanding are key factors, the article suggests that diagnostic boundaries are expanding to include a wider range of people, leading to a "loop" where increased awareness brings more people forward, which in turn widens the criteria further.
The author notes that this has led to large numbers of adults, particularly women and girls, seeking diagnosis for differences they have long noticed.
Source: The Guardian (UK)
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/25/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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