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. 2005 Apr;14(2):55-58.
doi: 10.1111/j.0963-7214.2005.00334.x.

Three Reasons Not to Believe in an Autism Epidemic

Morton Ann Gernsbacher  1 , Michelle Dawson  2 , H Hill Goldsmith  1
Affiliations

Three Reasons Not to Believe in an Autism Epidemic

Morton Ann Gernsbacher et al. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2005 Apr.

Abstract

According to some lay groups, the nation is experiencing an autism epidemic-a rapid escalation in the prevalence of autism for unknown reasons. However, no sound scientific evidence indicates that the increasing number of diagnosed cases of autism arises from anything other than purposely broadened diagnostic criteria, coupled with deliberately greater public awareness and intentionally improved case finding. Why is the public perception so disconnected from the scientific evidence? In this article we review three primary sources of misunderstanding: lack of awareness about the changing diagnostic criteria, uncritical acceptance of a conclusion illogically drawn in a California-based study, and inattention to a crucial feature of the "child count" data reported annually by the U.S. Department of Education.

Keywords: autism; epidemic; epidemiology.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution of male height in McClennan County, Texas. Shaded areas represent segments of the population defined as “tall” according to two standards: men over 74.5 in. (2,778) versus men over 72 in. (10,360).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Recommended Reading

    1. Fombonne E. Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: An update. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2003;33:365–382. - PubMed
    1. Institute of Medicine. Immunization safety review: Vaccines and autism. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2004. - PubMed
    1. Wing L, Potter D. 2002 (See References)

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