2006-09-15 05:28:22 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Excellent question, one which modern medicine is currently looking into. Proposed theories are all over the board, from vaccine use, to pesticide use, early physical injury, or other environmental triggers. Hopefully, the theory that parenting styles has anything to do with it has finally bit the dust entirely, as it has been shown to not have any influence. One possibility is that prior to modern education methods and opening up of the society, these people were very much "closeted" by their families and society at large, (including the medical community) was less aware of the numbers of them.
In the less severe forms of autism, Asperger's, probably there have always been large numbers of them, but they were just considered "odd" and "eccentric". I think the influence of television exposure early and often does not do anything to help people whose brains are so wired.
The human mind is so very very complex, that tweezing out what factor or factors goes into any one person's disability of autism may be different from the next person's. I am doubtful that in my lifetime that there will be a definitive answer.
2006-09-15 05:35:36 · answer #1 · answered by finaldx 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people believe autism rates have skyrocketted.
They often blame vaccinations.
Others believe the rate of diagnosis is what has increased, not the incedence rate.
Given that Asperger's, the most common form of autism (62 - 86%), was not know to exist in America until 1990, it seems obvious that at least some of the increase is due to a better understanding & therefore a better diagnosis of Autism. People Asperger's were always around, just labeled as "odd," "geeks," or "not quite right."
Then I have to wonder how many of the kids with the more severe forms were labeled brain damage, or just retarded. Remember, until recently, the common belief was that autsim was caused by unloving, neglectful mothers. If a doctor KNEW the mother was very loving & attentive, he would likely rule out a dianosis of autism, therefore keeping the diagnosis rate artificially low (back in the 80's & before).
I've included the link to a question I asked about autism stats. Be sure to click on "comments" for a bit more info & links I found later.
2006-09-16 22:32:18 · answer #2 · answered by Smart Kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, now more men are having children a lot later on in their live's now...like celebrity's foe example. And Doc's are saying there is a higher risk of passing on Autism to their kids after 40. yr's of age.
2006-09-16 21:37:59 · answer #3 · answered by scully 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury in the vaccines and kids nowadays getting more vaccines than in olden days.
2006-09-15 20:05:46 · answer #4 · answered by Goldenrain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been studies that link child immunizations to autism, ADHD etc.
It's controversial and debatable. I recommend researching for yourself.
2006-09-15 12:35:39 · answer #5 · answered by p_rutherford2003 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no evidence of that. It is possible that due to this information age, we know about many more cases today as opposed to years ago.
2006-09-15 13:00:44 · answer #6 · answered by eventhorizon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pollution, older fathers, chemicals, there are so many factors when it comes to autism. all we can do is raise awareness.
2006-09-15 12:35:52 · answer #7 · answered by Emily E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well we are educated about it and the population is larger...six billion people are going to a lot more people infected with a certain disease then 6,00,000 or 600,000 or so on...it is all essentially relative
2006-09-18 21:18:22 · answer #8 · answered by insertnamehere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Which kind, certain forms are very common and always have been.
2006-09-15 12:31:11 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cause the human race is screwed bigtime
2006-09-15 15:16:27 · answer #10 · answered by jessop m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋