USA psychology, 1970s vs today

I read something the other day that said something like 1 in 44 children today is somewhere "on the spectrum". Considering most children go through childhood never talking to a psychologist, it seems the diagnosis rate must be very high. Yikes Some folks like to blame childhood vaccines. As a person who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, things seem quite different to me in the world of psychology.

1970s: "My child is shy." 2020s: Autism
1970s: "My child is a picky eater." 2020s: Autism
1970s: "My child s really into his hobbies." 2020s: Autism
1970s: "My child is brilliant." 2020s: Autism
1970s: "My child lags academically." 2020s: Autism
1970s: "My child is hyper sometimes." 2020s: Autism
1970s: "I can't get my child away from her books." 2020s: Autism

Am I right? I get the feeling that any parent who brings their child into a psychologist today with any kind of issue is likely to walk out with an ASD diagnosis. My guess is that insurance is behind this, as an ASD diagnosis requires an insurance company to pay for services and gives the parents greater access to public services. A benefit to the parents, for sure, but are we really serving children well if we are slapping a diagnosis on 1 in every 44 kids?

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Graylight · 51-55, F

According to the CDC, about 1% of the world’s population has autism spectrum disorder. The CDC also reports that as many as 1-36 American children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). And those numbers don't jibe.

The number of US children reported with ASD has risen steadily since at least 2000. Why is this? One perspective is that psychology, like medicine, evolves at a constant pace and what used to be a mystery is now a solvable riddle. Understand the brain better, identify problems and target trouble earlier and more efficiently. Another view is that the US fixation with labels and medication is driving the increase. People diagnose themselves and their children through YouTube and TikTok now and will see their PCP as a mental health provider. You bet they'll walk out with meds. The whole ADHD/ASD phenomenon? Not even proven in science thoroughly yet.

It's not insurance-driven, not autism. There are only two recognized medications to treat autism and the rest is really CBT and learning skills. If actual services are needed to sustain daily activities, then the diagnosis is legitimate.

And here's the thing with all those kids we simply tossed off as being lazy, picky shy and more: Many of them didn't grow up to enjoy much success in their lives, as their mental disorders were never identified and treated. Just because the past is "how we did things" doesn't make those things right or correct.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@Graylight Well, both my kids were recently diagnosed ASD. The psychologist used accepted criteria in her diagnosis, and another of our kids' doctors agrees with the diagnosis. Based upon the definition of "autism" that I understood 20+ years ago - I doubt any teacher or non- clinical person interacting with my kids would notice anything different at all. I'm used to autistic kids being slow or very literal with language, hyper focused, unable to adapt to changes in routines, or having problems with social interaction. My kids have *some* issues with changes in routine, but I don't think it is much worse than other kids. My daughter likes things in certain orders, but it does not cause her much distress if they aren't. They do well in school, get along with other kids, and for the most part function the same as other kids their age.

The only exception is my 6-year old daughter does not like to go #2 and constipates herself and does not like the feel of toilet paper and wants to use wet wipes. Based upon that, my wife took the kids to the psychologist, and came out with an ASD diagnosis. The Psychologist remarked how this was not a bad thing because now the school district is required to accommodate and our insurance company is now required to cover certain therapies 100%. So I do think government mandates for insurance and schools may play a role here.

JimboSaturn · 51-55, M

@trollslayer I feel it's just an easy and lazy diagnosis for the doctors and then they can prescribe drugs and get more money.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@JimboSaturn I had a psychiatrist for awhile who was very open with me. He was very blunt in saying that ADHD in kids was way over diagnosed and over medicated