There is no one factor that causes autism — or explains its growing prevalence. Researchers are seeking explanations for the surge. Here are some possibilities.

    • @BartyDeCanter
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      272 days ago

      From TFA:

      They attribute most of the surge to increased awareness of the disorder and changes in how it is classified by medical professionals.

    • Semi-Hemi-Lemmygod
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      192 days ago

      I’ve seen so many depictions of historical figures that I’ve been like “yep, they’re on the spectrum” that I can’t doubt this.

    • themeatbridge
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      142 days ago

      And a reduction of the stigma associated with medical disorders in general. JFK had a sister with learning disability and mild disagreeableness, which they treated by cutting out part of her brain, leaving her requiring lifelong care. They sent her away and pretended she didn’t exist.

    • @oyfrog@lemmy.world
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      52 days ago

      Also worth noting that people tend to refer to autism as if it’s a singular set of phenotypes, when really there’s a bunch of ways that autism can manifest; hence autism spectrum disorder.