Autism Diagnoses Rose—Then Researchers Found Something in 62,000 Children
Summary
A study of over 62,000 children in South Korea found that the actual rate of autism has stayed about the same from 1998 to 2010, even though more children are being diagnosed. The increase in autism diagnoses is mainly because doctors and schools have gotten better at finding children with autism, not because autism itself is becoming more common.Key Facts
- The study looked at 62,081 children born between 1998 and 2010 in South Korea.
- Researchers checked autism diagnoses using strict criteria called DSM-5.
- Autism rates ranged between about 2% and 3.4%, without a clear increase over time.
- Many autistic children were previously undiagnosed because they had not been seen by doctors or schools.
- Over time, more children were identified before the study, showing better early detection.
- Girls with autism were more likely to be missed in earlier diagnoses.
- The study only followed children up to age 7, so some may get diagnosed later in life.
- Experts say the rise in reported autism is due to better screening and awareness, not an actual rise in autism.
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