Is Autism a lot more common nowadays or is it just discussed more?

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119578403#Comment_119578403

Question is, WHY is he shy?

And if you had a condition back then, chances are you still have it now.

ELM327

So, I have Asperger's. If I were born 20 years earlier, I'd probably have been put in a home, and if I were born 20 years later I'd have been given a diagnosis as a child (as opposed to as an adult) and given much better supports from a younger age. I'm in my mid 30's and finally properly medicated to a point where my many anxieties are, while not gone, certainly mitigated to the point that I have more good days than bad. A good day is one where I can actually leave the house and interact with people. I can go into a shop and be ok being the only customer. I can make a phone call. A bad day might result in the lights being left off, curtains being closed, all sensory distractions removed and allowing myself time and space to "self soothe".

I am what folks would refer to as high functioning. I have a well paid job, own my own home with my partner of 10 years. Some people may not even know from a brief interaction that I'm autistic. What they don't see is that 30 second interaction with a cashier can lead to hours of pacing the floors at home afterwards obsessing.

Whether you give it the name of autism, aspergers, or super happy fun disease, or simply label me as "that odd fellow down the road that struggles with his nerves" - which is what happened decades ago - I still have the same experience. I don't think it's any more or less common these days. I just think we as a society are getting better at dealing with mental health issues.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119578802#Comment_119578802

I spotted the signs of autism in an 18 month old toddler- the parents took 2 years to admit the child required medical assessment - I didn’t say a word to them about what I observed as it’s their business but the signs were obvious to me. Sometimes parents are in denial and takes them time to get their heads around the implications

sasco

I don't think it is more common, but it is understood and diagnosed more. The benefits of early intervention services can really help. The spectrum is so broad though, especially as Aspergers is no longer a diagnosis that you will have some families seeking assistance and services and some turning away and not wanting their child labelled, but I think more people see the benefits of early diagnosis.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119578631#Comment_119578631

I've always had this theory myself. As you get older there's more wear and tear on the brain, so you're having kids who inherit this damage.

I think Alcohol is also a big factor. A lot of women don't realise they're pregnant until weeks after insemination. So they could be having drinks which could be causing issues down the line. Again this is just a theory.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119579801#Comment_119579801

Apparently some research I read online suggests older men in late 30s onwards are x times more likely to have a son or daughter with Autism than those in their 20s

There’s certainly a lot of data floating around that suggests older parents are more prone to experiencing this just like with other medical conditions

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058261744/is-autism-a-lot-more-common-nowadays-or-is-it-just-discussed-more

extreme level 3 here!

with more and more understanding of the disorder, more of us are now meeting the criteria as of decided by respected organisations, dsm etc, many of us that are level 1 are only being detected nowadays, and thankfully so, but a late diagnosis's can also be very damaging, as the world truly is designed for neurotypicals, but when you are not, the years prior to diagnosis, can be truly overwhelming and damaging

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119578320#Comment_119578320

Excellent appraisal. Thank you

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119567689#Comment_119567689

correct label is probably Asperger's which you aren't allowed use anymore.

why are you not allowed use this term?

Drog79

My understanding is that it doesn't exist anymore and it's level 1,2,3 based on needs, but could be wrong.

Drog79

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119578253#Comment_119578253

Absolutely, which is why the change of system recently is much better to sna per amount of pupils.

I've literally been in a room arguing that putting in a form saying my child can't feed at 10 is lies. And asking am I the only parent a form is going in for, penny dropping that I'm the patsy ( child does have issues but I'm not going to exaggerate).

Drog79

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119579002#Comment_119579002

We were one of those that waited, probably due to Asperger's and also with that level I believe age 7 was the timeframe best considered not too early or late. They may not have been in denial but trying to work out what was going on with their child.

Drog79

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119579801#Comment_119579801

Hmmm. If you're trying to have a baby in your late twenties/ thirties, you probably are keeping an eye on alcohol. However, I have read some material on male lineage cell damage with older parents related, must try to find.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119578631#Comment_119578631

Age is one factor definitely. However, I have taught a lot of children with autism who had young parents too. Maybe join the dots here, if you know what I mean.

Genetics definitely comes into play but be it conscious or subconsciously, present day humans are putting so much into their systems that is playing havoc with us.

Drog79

Here is the male related study.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/does-older-sperm-cause-autism#Focus-on-cause-as-autism-cases-rise

to be honest having been born myself to a 50 year old dad, I must admit being curious if that was passed down, and down considering we were only mid 20s having our kid.

Is it nature or nurture?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119577655#Comment_119577655

I was about to say that- and let’s not forget people with autism and Asperger’s given the right encouragement (nurture) are often hugely intelligent especially in the area of maths and science - I mean streaks ahead of those who don’t have the condition

PS- is “condition” an appropriate word to use? I’m more than happy to be corrected here

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119582402#Comment_119582402

That’s the question. Whatever about genetics we know that from various studies the use of chemicals and fertilisers in food and no less pouring toxic substances into water supplies and what not plays havoc with human life- there’s no reason to doubt that these same chemicals could alter the make up of human embryos and affect aspects of the subsequent child’s personality .

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119581603#Comment_119581603

It's not medically accepted anymore. It's ASD now.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119582374#Comment_119582374

There are lots of autistic spectrum girls too - it's just generally more obvious in boys.

Mild autism could be the next step in human evolution. I mean it makes life a lot easier if you don't have to be guessing all the time what someone really means and just say it out straight.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119582857#Comment_119582857

Like what happens on Boards.ie every day 😂

Grayson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119565865#Comment_119565865

It's something like 1 in 4 people will have to receive treatment for anxiety or depression. It is very common. It's not people just feeling a bit down, it's people struggling with their mental health. And it doesn't help when people mock them or tell them that it's not serious.

Likewise with Autism, we have learned to diagnose more and it's become more acceptable. But only amoungst certain people. I am autistic but i mask it well. I probably only come over as a bit odd, but in a friendly way. I was diagnosed in my 40's. I still haven't told most of my friends or family. There's only a few people who know. No-one in work does. The reason I wouldn't mention it simply because people would act weird.

Wezz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119584579#Comment_119584579

Your one experience is just that - one experience. I've worked with many kids and teens with ASD and some are shy and some are not and some are immature and some are not. They are as diverse in their personalities and quirks as everyone else is.

shootermacg

My wife and my 3 boys and 1 girl are high functioning autistic. It's like living in a Wes Anderson movie. My kids function outside, for the most part, but serious stimming when back in the safety of the house. Their symptoms are all different and their IQ range, again is different, going from 110 to 130+.

We've moved them out of a few private schools to public schools, because public schools have hands down the best facilities to care for them day to day. I know that having the diagnosis is the best thing for them. There's a difference between people knowing you're autistic and thinking you're a bit odd. People are a lot more accepting of the former.

shootermacg

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119584843#Comment_119584843

Emotional regulation and black/white reasoning are very common on the spectrum.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119582845#Comment_119582845

OK didn't know that I thought Asperger's Syndrome, was a high functioning autistic. sorry if that offends anyone i do not know much about ASD

freshpopcorn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119584579#Comment_119584579

What do you mean by childish?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119584843#Comment_119584843

I do think the big commonality for immaturity is more struggling social. I'm definitely on the milder end but the nature of things like masking and such. It just results in an individual struggling to get to grips with themselves, let alone with being as mature socially as others in their age group. I imagine it's easier if you're more aware of neurodiversity from a younger age though.

laoisgem

Autistic female here with an Autistic daughter. I was only diagnosed last year after my daughter. I was told during the diagnosis stage for my daughter that it is much harder to diagnose girls are they are better at masking their symptoms which certainly rings true for both my daughter and myself. My own family had trouble seeing what I could see in my daughter and even her school couldn't believe what I told them goes on behind closed doors at home as she is so quite in the outside world but once back at home all hell breaks loose. She's like a street angle, house devil. So much so my 2 adult children have left the family home. If she hadn't of been diagnosed she would have fell through the cracks in school as she's so quiet and doesn't engage in class. I myself have suffered with anxiety and depression for decades and I'm sure an earlier diagnosis would have helped me understand myself alot better.

Goodigal

Mother of 2 boys with ASD diagnoses. Both totally different to each other. Oldest is your typical Asperger (before term was taken away) who at 14 only went on the school bus on his own for the first time this week. Afraid to be out without me and very happy in his own company, but also charming amongst family! Youngest son has more sensory issues with some stimming. But sociable. It takes some time to get a diagnosis so I don't think it's something parents take lightly.

I wish I knew why they have this - but I acknowledge how lucky I am that they're not on the severe end of the spectrum. Do I worry at night about their futures?! Yes. But show me a parent who doesn't.

But yes OP, I think it's become more prevalent and I'd like to know if I contributed to that genetically in some way. My age? Living environment? Their father? Good discussion to open up BTW

Princess Calla

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119579801#Comment_119579801

I don't think it has anything to do with the parents brain but more to do with their sperm and eggs.

I remember watching a lifestyle programme something along the lines of "is your lifestyle killing you?", it was on rte I think.

Anyway for the men they took sperm samples, the guys with heavy drinking patterns sperm showed signs of abnormalities , slow mobility and low count ..so if one of these sperm, although probably unlikely, fertilized the egg what would the outcome be like? After the guy changed his lifestyle they analysed the sperm again and got more normal sperm than abnormal.

I agree with you on the female drinking point.

I also wonder about recreational drugs (I've done zero research on this) but I remember in the 90's serious worry over ecstasy on the mental health of the user.... could it have impacted long term sperm and eggs?? Again just my uneducated theory.

In saying all that, these conditions have been around for centuries. It's likely children wouldn't have survived childhood and those that did ended up in institutions.

Grayson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119584579#Comment_119584579

There's no such thing as an autistic personality. Sure there can be common traits that some people share but they're not universal. I'm the life of a party. I'm a social butterfly. I like being around people and I love meeting new people.

So you saying that autistic people are socially stunted is really incredibly offensive. The simple fact that you'd say that about autistic people kinda implies that you have less social skills than me. Maybe you're the stunted one (see, it's not nice when someone says that about you).

If you know an autistic person, all you know about autism is that you know an autistic person.

Hell, even when it comes down to how you address it, there's differences. Some people prefer "person with autism", some prefer "autistic person". Others prefer Neuro-Divergent. There's no one behavior that unites all autistic people.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119565743#Comment_119565743

You must travel in strange circles, I can’t say I ever came across parents claiming that for their child with reason in fact it’s usually the opposite! And since it takes more than one person to make a diagnosis, I wonder how you know they are wrong.

While I appreciate your situation, you need to understand the other parents are struggling to cope with their situation, which is also round the clock and you trivializing it is just as insulting them as the way you feel.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119589136#Comment_119589136

I think you are being very unfair. There is a huge difference in an autistic child that is non verbal, has no self care skills, cant go to mainstream school etc and an autistic child that has mild behavioural issues but leads a relatively normal life.

rob316

My son has moderate to severe autism and ID. I know so many people including friends who's kids have been diagnosed in recent years, it has absolutely exploded particularly in boys. The real reason for it is because the clinical term has changed to ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder so you have a very broad spectrum where many kids would score on it be it on social skills, language ability, learning disability or communication skills.

I can think back to some people I went to school with and they definitely would have a diagnosis today. I have a nephew with ASD and he would be completely different to my son, very what you would consider nuero typical in ability but he's very blunt and hyper and lacks the social skills.

The problem currently is the services just aren't there and its been exasperated by such a broad spectrum.

manonboard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119589265#Comment_119589265

I dont think Jim is being unfair at all. He isnt saying there is not a difference, not at all.. He is saying parents are more likely to NOT want a label on their kid and often resist diagnosis.

I completely understand where you are coming from with the huge difference, and i deeply sympathize with your difficulties you must face, but your previous post that Jim responded to was written in a terrible way. It immediately gave the impression that you trivialized other peoples difficult experiences just because they are not as hard as yours, and your use of the word sicken gave it an intensely emotional judgement vibe to it.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119589515#Comment_119589515

I dont have an autistic child. I responded to Jims reply to Gusser 09 - If you look back over the thread Gusser09 explained the difficulties he faces with his son. I thinks Jims reply to Gusser 09 was very insensitive.

cnocbui

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119565832#Comment_119565832

I think it very unlikely there has been a rise in numbers, it's just a rise in awareness of it. It's like positing a huge recent rise in lesbianism, when it's really just a change in perception.

One can look back and see that many notable scientists who were socially a bit abnormal, were very likely to have had Aspergers - the list is probably very long.

Hedgecutter

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place, but I'm hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

My son is 14 and has struggled in NS and now secondary school. Socially he gets one fine, to our knowledge in school. Sports mad and competitive in sport.

In forth class he was diagnosed with ADD, we could always see the lack of consideration, focus and organisation skills. So we watch and manage his work carefully.

Today after 3 years since ADD diagnoses we were told by CAMHS that he doesn't have ADD, they maintain he has ASD, Autism spectrum disorder.

There has been a change with the physiotherapist (retired) and a new physiotherapist reviewed his files.

We are shocked at the change in diagnosis and not sure where we stand or what to do. Six months before we are back to CAMHS.

Anyone experience or advice where with ASD?

Cheers