78. Having an Autistic Child is on the Rise
First of all, it’s important to know that while it’s evident that the rate of diagnosis has significantly increased in recent years, researchers only began tracking autism rates in the year 2000. For some perspective on the numbers, my son Jordan who is 25 was diagnosed when he was 5 years old and when he was diagnosed, it was 1 in 158 and now, in 2021 that number is 1 in 44. That is obviously a HUGE increase, but experts tell us that this rise in numbers is a direct consequence of the increased awareness of autism as well as the changes to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 edition which was published in May of 2013. In this episode, I talk about some of the changes in the DSM-5 as well as a recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics which both have likely led to more diagnoses of children who might have otherwise gone undetected. There are also variations in the differences in diagnosis from State to State. Some are significantly higher than 1 in 44 and some are lower but experts remain convinced that this is simply due to how autism is diagnosed and documented in different communities. Raising a child or children with autism isn't bad, it isn't terrible, it is just a different and unique parenting journey. If this is your journey, accepting it and not resisting it will be the best thing that you can do for your child and for you. If you are feeling alone on your journey or maybe you are looking for other moms to connect with who understand your day-to-day challenges, be sure that you check out all of the benefits available to you in our PRIVATE SISTERHOOD. www.notyouraverageautismmom.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support