Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
Surge in Autism Diagnoses Among U.S. Adults Explained
(upbeat music) - Welcome to Quick News. This is Ted. The news was published on Thursday, October 31st. Today we have Eric and Kate with us to talk about a fascinating topic. Hey folks, thanks for joining me. - Thanks for having me, Ted. - Happy to be here, Ted. - Let's begin by discussing the recent surge in autism diagnoses in the US. Eric, what do you see as the key details in the news article about this trend? - Well, the number of Americans diagnosed with autism skyrocketed one to 75% between 2011 and 2022. It's wild. Even wilder is the 450% increase in diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34. That's something. - Okay, but can we talk about the three 15% rise in female cases overall? Finally, more women who were historically under-diagnosed are getting recognized. It's about time, don't you think? - Sure, but let's not forget the significant rise in numbers for boys too. We're talking about an 185% increase there. The narrowing gender gap is pretty intriguing. - The gap narrowing is definitely because of changes in screening practices and heightened awareness. It's not really rocket science. - What are the specific reasons behind these increases? Kate, can you elaborate? - Increased advocacy and education have been crucial, Ted. More people are getting themselves or their children screened thanks to better information being available. It's like people are finally waking up to the reality of autism. - Also, we gotta consider changes in diagnosis definitions and policies here. These changes weren't just educational, but also regulatory stunts that played a serious role. - From my perspective, environmental factors could be contributing as well. We can't discount these in today's world. Seriously, it's something-- - But without concrete evidence, we should be careful about attributing these numbers to unproven theories. - What are the implications for society with this increase in diagnoses, Eric? - There's a social and economic impact, no doubt. More diagnoses mean more demand for specialized services like speech or physical therapy, and those things aren't cheap, it's gonna hit the pocket hard. - But it's also about inclusion and acceptance. Diagnosing more individuals helps tailor educational approaches to meet specific needs. We can't ignore the benefits here. - True, but the cost and resource allocation can't be ignored either. We need to-- - We can't afford not to support these individuals. Ignoring it would be more costly in the long run. Inclusion should be a priority theory. - Let's explore whether there are historic events or trends that can be compared to the surge in autism diagnoses. Eric, can you think of a similar event? - The surge in ADHD diagnoses in the 1990s comes to mind. There was a better understanding and broader diagnostic criteria which caused the numbers to shoot up. It's like deja vu. - The comparison to ADHD is relevant, but it's not entirely the same. Autism has distinct differences in implications. We're not talking apples and apples here, you know. - True, but both conditions saw major spikes because of increased awareness and better diagnostic tools. There's definitely-- - Sure, but autism diagnoses are also about societal progress in recognizing diverse neurological conditions, not just better tools. - The ADHD trend led to more targeted treatments though. This might be similarly beneficial for all of those things. - But we have to ensure that the treatments are equitable and accessible for everyone, not just the well off. We can't have-- - What lessons can we draw from the ADHD trend that apply to autism? - One lesson is ensuring that increased diagnoses lead to proper interventions. ADHD saw innovative treatments, but also misuse of meds. We need to get it right this time around. - Access and misuse are key. - We must ensure everyone who needs help gets it and that treatment isn't just about medication. It's gotta be holistic. - Agreed plus educational advancements tailored to these needs must be in lockstep. We can't-- - And we need to push for policy changes to support this approach inclusively. No one should-- - Looking to the future. Let's talk about two distinct scenarios of how things could unfold regarding autism diagnoses. Eric, what's one potential outcome? - One scenario is that this trend continues leading to higher costs for healthcare and education systems, but also better tailored services. It's a double edged sword, honestly. - And another scenario could be a backlash against increasing diagnoses, with a push towards stricter diagnostic criteria, which could risk under diagnosis. That could be a mess. - If services improve and costs are managed, we could see a more inclusive society. Inclusion in schools and workforces could have positive-- - On the other hand, stricter criteria could marginalize those who still need help, but don't meet the Titan definitions. We can't let that happen. - How could the healthcare system adapt to a future with sustained high diagnosis rates, Eric? - The system might see expanded roles for specialized professionals, more funding for therapies, and robust support infrastructure. It's about scaling up smartly. - Adaptation must also include community-based approaches, rather than just medical settings to be effective and sustainable. We need a grassroots approach. - True, but ensuring quality control in non-medical settings is crucial. We don't want to dilute the effectiveness of this sport. - Flexibility and support for families at all levels must be prioritized. Everybody needs a helping system. - And what are the potential societal changes that could occur from these increased diagnoses, Kate? - Increased acceptance and awareness could make society more inclusive. People might see neurodiversity as a spectrum of strengths, not a disorder. That's a win in my book. Yes, but only if accompanied by adequate support systems. Real inclusion requires investment and change at all levels. No half measures. - Plus, we need to combat stigma, which remains a significant barrier. - I agree. Shifting societal attitudes is as important as changing policy. - Well, that wraps up our discussion for today. Thanks, Eric and Kate, for your insightful thoughts on this important topic. And thanks to our listeners for tuning in. Until next time, this is Ted from Quick News.