The Increase in Autism Numbers Since The mid 1990s

After a ‘spike’ in the number of Autism Disorder cases in the middle to late 1990’s, there has been a steady increase in Autism Spectrum Disorders ever since. Currently, the number of children diagnosed with a case of Autism Syndrome is about one in every one hundred and fifty children. This is a massive number and a massive increase on the number only twenty years ago which was as low as one in every ten thousand. There is much debate as to why the figure would have risen so dramatically with many arguing that it is not so much due to a rise in the incidences of the Disorders but, instead, the high number is due to better screening, clearer understanding and, therefore, better more accurate diagnosis, and a redefinition of the Spectrum of Disorders; which causes more diverse cases to be classified under the terms. Whatever the reason, a ratio of one in every one hundred and fifty appears high and is the cause of much concern.

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What a rise in numbers does mean, though, is that more resources are being applied to the task of tackling the problem. The Autism Genome Project, launched in the year 2004, is evidence of this and has pulled together worldwide experts and resources to look into the genetic background of Autism Syndrome. Over one hundred and twenty research scientists from fifty academic and research institutes from a total of nineteen countries around the world have joined forces, resources and expertise to investigate the entire human genome of twenty three chromosomes in order to discover and investigate the precise genetic inheritance of an Autism Disorder sufferer and whether that genetic inheritance was the cause of the disorder or allowed a susceptibility which was played on by environmental factors. With no direct causes currently known and plenty of theories proposed, such an investigation as this has massive potential for understanding and even, perhaps, providing better treatment and possible cures for the Disorders.

With greater awareness comes better understanding and it might be that whereas, previous generations of Autism Syndrome sufferers were marginalised and misunderstood, with the wider dispersal of information on the disorders those unfortunates who do live with this disorder might find better resources and a greater culture of understanding and tolerance evolves.

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