“Autism spectrum disorder spiked 175% among people in the U.S. from 2.3 per 1,000 in 2011 to 6.3 per 1,000 in 2022, researchers found. Diagnosis rates climbed at a faster rate among adults in their mid-20s to mid-30s in that period, according to a study published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open.”

  • Nuke_the_whales@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Isn’t this because the spectrum was expanded? Bunch of people I can think of growing up that were probably autistic but at just called them “eccentric” or “a bit odd” but were overall functional and could live a normal life. Those people today would be considered autistic whereas before they weren’t. Like a level 1 could go unnoticed by just about everyone.

    Anyways I also find a lot of young adults are proud (?) to be autistic and act like it’s a superpower. As the father to an autistic child, it really isn’t. But I’m glad you guys have self esteem

    • rottingleaf@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Wasting all your effort on appearing still not “normal” instead of living some kind of sincere life is just very stupid.

      • Nuke_the_whales@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        You sound very young. Acceptance and feeling normal is extremely important to human beings and pretty much every creature on earth. Autism is a struggle, not a super power

        • rottingleaf@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          I’m 28. Acceptance and feeling normal via imitation are not real and those who go this way will suffer.

          And sincere acceptance is just that, it doesn’t force you to pretend.

          You may also find out that people capable of that are not as rare as it seems. You won’t be lonely.

          OK, I am, but that’s mainly due to having limited energy.