Introduction

Since the 1980s, autism rates have reportedly surged, prompting a critical examination into the underlying reasons. The question, are autism rates rising, often leads to an exploration of diagnostic changes and societal influences. However, currently, autism rates are estimated to be as high as 1 in 36 children, a significant increase from 1 in 10,000 in the 1980s. That’s an increase of nearly 280 times. This post delves into key factors driving this rise while critically assessing the role of the pharmaceutical industry in shaping disorder classifications and diagnostic practices.

Understanding the Rise in Autism Diagnoses

When you first begin researching into why autism rates are increasing so dramatically you come across the following main reasons:

Changes in Diagnostic Criteria

Since the 1980s, changes in diagnostic criteria have expanded the spectrum of individuals identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These broader criteria, outlined in successive editions of the DSM, include more subtle presentations of autism, which in turn have led to increased reported prevalence.

Increased Awareness and Screening

Heightened public awareness and advocacy for autism have led to more frequent screenings and earlier diagnoses. This has allowed for early interventions in children who might have previously been undiagnosed until later in life.

Changes in Reporting Practices

With more systematic reporting and a greater emphasis on recognizing autism within educational and healthcare systems, the numbers appear to reflect a real increase, though part of this may be due to historical underreporting.

Environmental and Genetic Factors

Emergent research explores the interaction between genetics and environmental factors like pollution and chemical exposure. Although genes remain a central focus, many scientists acknowledge that environmental changes since the 1980s require more nuanced consideration.

Increased Parental Age

Research has suggested a link between increased parental age and autism diagnosis. As people delay parenthood, the accumulation of genetic mutations transmitted to offspring could play a role.

 At face value all these reasons for the rise in autism are valid and would lead you to believe that the actual rate of autism hasn’t really increased, just our ability to detect and identify it has. However, if you choose to start delving any deeper, a very different picture begins to emerge.

The Subjective Nature of diagnostic criteria and assessment procedures

Due to there being no reliable biomarkers for diagnosing autism, diagnosis relies on the subjective assessment of a patient's behaviors against a subjectively constructed set of criteria. This opens the vast opportunity for many people to be diagnosed with a disorder they do not have, and which may not actually even exist. This is further exacerbated by the influence of pharmaceutical companies over all levels of mental health establishment.

The Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Mental Health

Influence on Disorder Classifications

The pharmaceutical industry exerts considerable influence over the development of disorder classifications and diagnostic criteria in the DSM. This includes funding research, providing incentives, and potential lobbying against regulatory bodies, shaping what is considered a "disorder" and expanding the classifications of those disorders which inadvertently means they encompass more people.

Incentives and Diagnostic Practices

Pharmaceutical companies also indirectly incentivize healthcare professionals to be biased toward diagnosing certain conditions to align with available treatments, inadvertently inflating diagnosis numbers.

Historical Practices and Influence Expansion

The industry has a history of substantial fines for fraudulent practices. Over 80 billion dollars since 1980. This reinforces the narrative that their primary focus may be expanding markets. High-profile cases have shown how these practices could contribute to a rise in medications prescribed for ASD.

Influence on Psychological Studies

Pharmaceutical companies heavily fund research that supports the utility of their products, often resulting in positive bias. Conversely, these companies might suppress studies that hint at their role in rising autism diagnoses, limiting comprehensive understanding. Any mention of the dramatic increase in chemical cocktails received by infants since the 1980’s will find one rather viciously attacked by many and being told that studies have completely refuted the possibility that this could be a factor in the autism rate rises. However, even the slightest bit of research into the pharmaceutical industries influence on psychological studies leaves you asking the question, “Who is funding the studies that are showing their products are not influencing the dramatic rise in autism rates.”

Exploring Alternative Perspectives: Ultimate Divergence Theory of Autism

While traditional theories focus on genetics and awareness, my Ultimate Divergence Theory suggests that autism may primarily be induced by traumatic environmental events which inadvertently block access to socialization processes. This perspective also critically evaluates how societal shifts, from diet to urbanization, could have contributed to increased diagnoses.

Societal Changes Since 1980

The drastic environmental changes since 1980, including shifts in diet and global health practices, could increase susceptibility to autism. Increased consumption of processed foods and pharmaceuticals also stands as a significant factor in broader discussions about health.

Supporting Studies and Evidence

Compelling studies reveal diverse aspects contributing to autism prevalence. These studies require balanced representation, free from the pharmaceutical biases that currently cloud the field.

Conclusion: Rethinking Autism Trends

The question, when did autism rates increase, is a gateway to examining a web of factors beyond simply rising awareness or genetic explanations. By considering both traditional and alternative views, particularly regarding the pharmaceutical industry's role, we foster a more inclusive examination of autism's complex landscape.

For those who were fully awake and aware during 2019 to 2021 during the unmentionable common global experience we all shared, the depths to which the pharmaceutical industries will plunge for profits knows no bounds. And for those of us who were fully awake, the ability of certain groups in the world to influence public perception that was revealed, can only leave one questioning everything we have been led to believe about mental health. But that is a discussion for another day.

Call to Action

Thus, it is imperative to question everything you think you know about mental health. When you first begin your research on any particular topic, know that the answers you first encounter are those being fed to you by manipulated algorithms and filtered through heavy censorship barriers. To begin getting to the truth of things requires effort on your part, to push through the deliberately constructed barriers to truth, and having the courage to venture out into the realms of free thought. Until all sources of conflicts of interests can be removed from the mental health arena, we cannot get to the truth behind what is driving the autism epidemic.

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