Consider This from NPR Autism rates have exploded. Could the definition be partly to blame?
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Jun 26, 2025 Vaccine-autism connection myths are debunked as overwhelming evidence disproves their link. The evolution of autism's clinical definition has significantly impacted diagnosis rates. A psychiatrist reflects on how changing criteria might have contributed to the surge in diagnoses. Discussions reveal how improved awareness, rather than vaccines, drives the rise in cases. Adult autism diagnoses raise questions about overdiagnosis, highlighting the importance of second opinions and the potential for social skills to develop over time.
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Autism Rise Fuels Vaccine Myths
- Despite exhaustive studies disproving vaccine links to autism, the theory persists due to rising diagnosis rates.
- The increased autism prevalence fuels misinformation and controversy around vaccines.
Expanded Autism Diagnostic Definition
- The autism rate surge relates largely to expanded diagnostic criteria, including Asperger's disorder added in DSM-IV.
- This broadened definition captured milder cases, inflating autism statistics, unrelated to vaccines.
Social Factors Inflate Diagnoses
- Educational benefits linked to autism diagnoses incentivize diagnosis rates to rise sharply.
- Internet spread and social perceptions have also promoted autism self-identification as positive.
